HOME Secretary John Reid has torn up the timetable to merge Cheshire and Merseyside police forces by next April.

Dr Reid, pictured, said he was abandoning his predecessor Charles Clarke's pledge to force an order through Parliament before MPs leave Westminster in July.

Speaking in the Commons, Dr Reid promised 'discussion, dialogue and listening' before any mergers went ahead, but still insisted larger forces were necessary.

He declined to set out a fresh timetable, but the delay means no final decisions will be taken at least until MPs return to Westminster in October.

Only an order next month would give the Home Office time to get a newly-merged force up and running in time for the start of the next financial year.

The move will delight Merseyside and Cheshire police authorities, both of which have attacked the merger plan.

Cheshire chief constable Peter Fahy said: 'I believe there was no other option, given the number of serious outstanding issues between us and the Home Office.

'We have worked very closely with Merseyside, and both forces came to the conclusion that what was being proposed would not solve serious problems, particularly the funding crisis.'

Dr Reid added: 'I am keen to continue the discussion and dialogue we have begun with police forces and police authorities on the best way to get to that destination.

'I do not propose to lay orders for enforced police mergers before summer recess.'