ECHO readers have voted to save Essex Police from merging with neighbouring forces.
Our Voteline showed an overwhelming majority in favour of retaining the county's force.
It gives powerful ammunition to Essex Police Authority, which is drawing up a case to convince Home Secretary Charles Clarke to leave the force alone. The Echo will now campaign under the banner Hands off Essex Police.
Police authority chairman Robert Chambers welcomed the results of the poll, which readers took part in via phone, text message and the internet. He said council taxpayers could face rises of up to £40 or more in their annual bill if Essex was merged with other counties.
In the Echo poll, 479 voted for Essex to remain a standalone force. The second choice was for Essex to merge with Suffolk and Norfolk, with 192 votes. Only 29 voted for a super-region, joining Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambs, Herts and Beds. Just 11 favoured Essex joining Herts and Beds.
Published Tuesday, December 6, 2005
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