The decision of the Home Secretary to withdraw his notice proposing the amalgamation of Essex Police with Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire was completely predictable, say local Liberal Democrats. Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Chris Millington said:

"It was clear from the outset that the Labour Government's flawed plans for enforced police mergers were deeply unpopular with the police and with the public. Local people want local policing. The Home Secretary has simply bowed to the inevitable."

And local Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman Cllr Lorna Spenceley added:

"The Labour Government's proposal to create remote police super-forces has met with massive opposition - and the Home Secretary's withdrawal is not surprising. Ministers should now focus on sensible, practical policies to help the police tackle serious crime by working together."