DORSET Police could soon be merged with Devon and Cornwall creating one force covering a massive area from Highcliffe to Lands End.

The Chief Constables of the two police areas announced they are exploring “further collaboration” in a press conference on Wednesday.

They were keen to stress any merger will only go ahead after extensive consultation.

But they said many departments already work together as part of an existing strategic alliance and that a further 11 departments are “currently going through changes which will see them aligned.”

They said they believe closer working to be “the only way forward.”

The last four years has seen links established between the two forces to save money and streamline leadership.

In a joint statement Chief Constables Debbie Simpson, Dorset, and Shaun Sawyer, Devon and Cornwall, said: “The strategic alliance has made significant progress helping us provide a more effective and efficient policing service to the residents of our three counties.

“We now see this as a timely opportunity to progress this alliance further, including a potential aim to merge our resources and create a more resilient police force.

“Policing has faced some significant funding challenges in recent years and we do not see this landscape changing. To preserve local, neighbourhood policing and deliver safeguarding within our communities, as well as an ability to respond to emergencies and emerging threats as effectively as possible, we view closer working as the only way forward.”

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) from both forces have informed the policing minister of their support for the proposal.

Consultation with key stakeholders, MPs and councils will begin shortly.

The statement from the Chief Constables continued: “Our officers across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have similar policing styles, values and priorities with cultures based on delivering resilient and sustainable services to our communities.

“We feel that now is the right time to explore whether a full merger between the two forces is possible.

“We will also ensure that the views and feelings of the public are taken account of. As a result, a decision is unlikely to be made quickly.”

The proposal has been welcomed by Bournemouth MP Tobias Ellwood who said: “I think there should be a reduction in the number of constabularies where efforts are duplicated at a time when there are budget challenges.. I welcome greater co-operation - the front line will not change.”

Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns said he will support the proposal if it leads to “improved services for my constituents” and said change must be driven by professionals from within the police and not by politicians.

Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill added: “I welcome the proposals that have been put forward today. I will make sure any decision that is reached is fully informed by the opinion of the public that I serve. This process will likely take a number of years.”