POLICE chiefs say they are happy that plans to merge Cheshire and Merseyside police have been delayed.

But they admit that Cheshire cannot go it alone forever.

Home secretary Dr John Reid announced this week that mergers would not be forced through before Parliament breaks for the summer recess.

Peter Nurse, chairman of Cheshire Police Authority, said: "This is indeed a welcome step, which will enable the authority to give more time to consider these far reaching proposals.

"The authority, however, remains concerned at the current proposals for a merger with Merseyside as they stand, particularly in relation to the financial aspects of the proposals.

"However, we accept that the status quo is not an option and will use this extra time to look at the best way forward, which may involve closer collaboration with Merseyside and Manchester police forces."

The authority is due to meet today, Thursday, to consider the latest position and how best to develop a better solution for Cheshire from the review.

Mr Nurse added: "I met the Policing Minister in London on Wednesday to press upon him the Authority's continuing objections to a merger with Merseyside and I also ensured that the concerns and views expressed by the communities of Cheshire over the past few months were impressed upon him".