MPs David Gauke and Mike Penning have called on Hertfordshire Police Authority to reject the Government's proposals to merge Hertfordshire Constabulary with up to five other police forces.

Writing to the Police Authority, the MPs have raised a number of concerns about the plans and criticised the inadequate consultation period.

"We are concerned that the move to larger police forces will diminish the significance of neighbourhood policing, prove to be a substantial distraction for senior management, involve substantial one-off costs, reduce police morale and reduce the local accountability of Hertfordshire Constabulary," write the MPs.

Earlier this week, Essex Police Authority unanimously rejected the proposals for merger. Pressure is now growing on Hertfordshire Police Authority to follow suit, which will result in a further consultation period of four months.