POLICE chiefs in the region have said they are “confident” and fully prepared to stand alone when West Mercia Police splits from Warwickshire Police next week.

A six-year alliance between the two forces - which has seen a number of police services shared - is due to come to an end on October 8.

Chief Constable of West Mercia Police Anthony Bangham and Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said there would be no risk to public safety following the split and they were fully prepared to stand alone if they needed to.

This comes after inspectors said they had “serious concerns” about Warwickshire Police’s ability to provide services following the split with West Mercia.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: “The force currently provides many services through an alliance with West Mercia Police, which will end in October. I am concerned there is no certainty as to how it will provide these services in the future.

“Warwickshire Police has a good understanding of demands for its services but needs to fully anticipate future pressures.”

In a joint statement Mr Bangham and Mr Campion said: “From a West Mercia Police perspective we are confident in the plans we have in place and there is absolutely no risk to public safety for the communities served by our force.

“West Mercia is fully prepared to operate as a standalone force if necessary.

“In fact, we are anticipating significant improvements in service effectiveness and efficiency as a result of not financially supporting a neighbouring force.

“We have made repeated reasonable offers for new collaborations which would address service concerns identified by Warwickshire. To date these offers have all been declined.

“It is wholly for Warwickshire’s Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner to decide whether they accept new collaboration offers as well as ensuring appropriate transitional arrangements for their force.”

The forces merged services - including firearms, IT, HR and communications in 2013 - saying they would save £30m by 2015.

Around 80 percent of the alliance’s shared services are currently based in West Mercia.

Local policing services, including safer neighbourhood teams, patrol and response teams, are still based in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said West Mercia’s decision to end the alliance had been “extremely challenging.”