PLANS to merge Avon and Somerset police force with neighbouring forces have been scrapped.

The Government was insisting on reducing the number of police forces in the country from 43 to 28 by creating large regional forces.

But almost all of them were opposed to the plans, and there were concerns the cost of the mergers would fall on the taxpayer, as the Government was refusing to pay for the changes.

But in a U-turn this week policing minister Tony McNulty said the plans had now been shelved.

He said: "Enforced mergers are not on the agenda.

"Are things going to go through in one way of another eventually? I think the definitive answer to that is no."

However, he said the Government should still retain power to force a merger at a future date "as an absolute last resort".

The news has been welcomed by Taunton MP Jeremy Browne.

He said: "I am strongly opposed to the creation of huge regional police forces.

"The cost of police force mergers would be around £1billion.

"That money would be far better spent on reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in Somerset and elsewhere.

"I have consistently argued against regional police forces and I am pleased that the Government now seems set to shelve their plan for amalgamations."

Somerset County Council is also delighted at the news.

Alan Ham, Somerset County Council Conservative spokesman on police, said: "I am delighted that this proposal is not going ahead in the South-West, so allowing Avon and Somerset Constabulary to continue their excellent work against crime and disorder and ensuring our communities feel safe and secure.

"Any reorganisation would have detracted from this."

Avon and Somerset Police did not want to comment at the time of going to press.