A strategic West Mercia force is being recommended to the government who plan to cut the number of forces.

The police authority said its force is the top performing in England and Wales and future planned improvements include a �2.9m recruitment campaign.

It will submit its final report to the Home Office on 23 December and a response is expected next year.

Paul Deneen, chair of the authority, said: "It is our view, and a view shared by an overwhelming percentage of our partners in local authorities, the criminal justice system, and the public, that a West Mercia Police Service with added investment is the best way to deliver policing services in the years to come."

'Remain untouched'

The authority said council tax bills would not be increased to fund the recruitment drive which would be aimed at tackling serious and organised crime and to respond to major incidents.

Its improvement plans also include new 79 police posts and 16 police staff posts in 2006/7, more investment in 2007/8 and 300 extra police community support officers by April 2008.

Residents have been consulted by the authority but just 7% who responded to a recent survey were in favour of linking up with three other forces, and 88% wanted the current service, covering three counties, to remain untouched.

The home secretary has written to chief constables in the West Midlands proposing two options for the future.