MP Tim Fallon believes the force should remain independent

Cumbria Police, which has just 1,260 officers, has agreed to plans to merge with at least one neighbouring force.

But Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, is against the move claiming it will mean the loss police resources in Cumbria.

He will hand the petition into Downing Street on Wednesday.

The number of Cumbria's officers is well below the 4,000 Home Office target for "stand-alone" forces.

Plans are for it to be merged with Lancashire or become part of a combined force with Lancashire and Merseyside.

'No guarantees'

Mr Farron said: "I am extremely concerned that any merger will mean the loss of police resources in the county.

"Cumbria Police provides a vital service to local residents very well - it is the only force which has scored an 'excellent' in Citizen-Focused policing.

"We need to ensure that our police force can continue to serve the community well - this merger offers no guarantees of that."

Cumbria is the second largest county in England by area and while its population is just under half a million, it attracts more than 23m visitors each year.

A recent poll of 1,000 people in the county revealed 72% were satisfied with the local policing provided.

A review team within the Cumbria force said it preferred a merger with the Lancashire and Merseyside forces.