TRADERS in Blaenavon are voicing their concerns about any ideas to merge Gwent Police with another force.

The Argus is asking people across Gwent what they think of proposals to merge Gwent Police with other forces, a proposal raised in a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

The report said that forces with fewer than 4,000 officers should be made larger.

Yesterday, Gwent Chief Constable Mike Tonge made a pledge to Argus readers that he would listen to the public as he, Wales' other chief constables and police authorities draw up plans for Home Secretary Charles Clarke on how the police should be restructured.

Blaenavon has recently seen several incidents of criminal damage, which has led to criticism of the level of a police presence in the area.

Megan Murphy, owner of Serendipity book shop, was a recent victim of vandalism and said the town needed to have a closer relationship with local police.

She said: "I'm not too sure exactly what the implications will be yet but if it means police becoming less localised then I disagree with it.

"On the other hand, if a merger meant more resources, and hopefully more officers on the streets, I would welcome it."

Mandy Thomas, manager of M and M Care Services, said: "I think it is a bad idea. We are hoping to get more police officers to be visible on the streets after recent problems and this could lead to them being taken away again.

"If the police force covers a wider area they would certainly be less accountable locally."

Cariad Mahoney, who runs the Dog House on Broad Street, added: "If there is trouble then it might take them longer to get here.

"Everyone wants to see more police on the beat, not for the police to be even less personal."

Stephanie Nummelin owns Browning Books. She said: "I would be concerned logistically about how thinly officers would be spread as a result.

"Everyone feels more comfortable with a local police presence.

"The key to the problem is lack of funding for the local forces."