THE policing of Gwent should be kept local, say a cross-party group of politicians who are gearing up to fight any plans to merge the force.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke yesterday asked chief constables and police authorities to draw up proposals to merge some of Britain's forces.

It is not yet known what form these proposals will take - although a report has already suggested either a Wales-wide force or the merger of Gwent with another South Wales force.

But last night Labour's Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West, said: "This is something I oppose entirely."

David Davies, the Conser-vative Monmouth MP and AM, added: "We can not let this happen."

And Blaenau Gwent AM and MP Peter Law said: "I will fight to keep Gwent Police as it is."