CONTROVERSIAL plans to merge Wales' four police forces have been confirmed by the Home Secretary and backed by Torfaen MP Paul Murphy. At a meeting in London on Monday Home Secretary Charles Clarke told Wales' police chiefs they must come to a decision on merging Gwent, South Wales, Dyfed-Powys and North Wales Police forces, before February 24.

Mr Clarke said that merging the four Welsh forces was the only viable option, and could be in place by April 2007 - making Wales one of the first areas to face the controversial reforms.

In a statement to the Free Press Paul Murphy backed his party's move to merge the four forces.

He said: "I welcome this decision, as it will improve our efforts to tackle organised crime and terrorism. However, the progress made in the last few years on community policing must not be lost.

"I am also pleased that regional interests will be protected and that Local Authorities will be represented on an all-Wales police authority. I will be pressing the Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Wales to make sure these intentions turn into reality and tell them that Gwent should play a part in the new regional structure."

Gwent Chief Supt Ian Johnstone said there could be greater local accountability after the merger.

But across Wales the plans have received a mixed response from police authorities.

Torfaen Councillor Gwilliam Evans JP is a member of Gwent Police Authority and he has raised concerns about the cost to taxpayers.

He said of plans for a single Welsh force: "Big is not always beautiful. If they want to make reforms they should stand up and pay for it. Without putting pressure on you, me, and anyone else to foot the bill."

Gwent Police Authority is set to meet this Friday to discuss the latest developments.