TODAY is the last opportunity for residents to have their say on proposals for a police merger that will see the creation of a new force responsible for two-and-a-half million people between Land’s End and Highcliffe.

As reported in the Daily Echo, plans to merge Dorset Police with Devon and Cornwall Police - creating the fifth largest force in the UK - have been open for consultation this summer.

The two forces are already in a strategic alliance, in which a quarter of all staff operate.

Supporters say the larger force will have more national clout, and Home Secretary Sajid Javid has indicated there may be more funding for it in the future.

It is the first time in six years that such an indication has been given, Dorset’s police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill says.

Dorset’s Chief Constable James Vaughan said a busy summer across the county has highlighted a need for a merger.

Tourists flock to this beautiful area, which swells our population by millions, and we have seen a number of successful major events held in the area which require a large amount of resources,” he said.

“As ever, we have our own unique incidents in the area thanks to our mix of urban, rural and coastal geography.

“We have already been part of a number of successful summer events, including Camp Bestival and Bestival in Lulworth, SandFest in Sandbanks, Bourne Free - Bournemouth’s Pride festival - and our hugely successful Emergency Services Family Fun Day in King’s Park.”

July was a “challenging month”, he added, with increased demand during the World Cup, as well as the summertime drink-drive campaign. A 20-year-old man was also charged with murder after the death of Stela Domador-Kuzma, 34, at a flat in Richmond Gardens.

“Dorset Police has responded to austerity and has provided significant reductions in its operating budget over recent years,” Chief Constable Vaughan said.

“Discussions have been ongoing this year to progress our relationship with Devon and Cornwall Police and create a new police force.

“We absolutely believe the proposed merger is the right thing to do, not only for our communities but also for our workforce who are actively managing increasing demands on a daily basis.”

However, the officer said the merger is “not a done deal”. If the plans are supported by members of the public, the Home Office will be presented with a full business case this October.

“For the overwhelming majority of staff and the public there will be limited immediate change from that which they see today,” Chief Constable Vaughan said.

“However, a new force would also provide resilience to future financial threats.”

Anyone who wants to have their say on the proposals should visit futurepolicing.co.uk to complete a survey.