GWENT Police Authority yesterday rejected Home Secretary Charles Clarke's plans to merge with Wales' three other forces.

It means all four authorities have now refused to agree voluntarily by today, which Mr Clarke had set as the deadline.

The Argus is campaigning for the Gwent force to retain its independence. The Gwent authority said at a special meeting it did not have the information it needed to make a decision.

Authority chairman Geraint Price-Thomas said there were still question marks over finance, the speed of the proposed reform and local accountability.

Mr Price-Thomas said: "Wales is not a region of England but a region in its own right. It is disappointing we have not had answers to fundamental issues.

"There are issues over geography and culture in Wales. Every local authority will have representation on the new authority but I am concerned about the pace of reforms."

After the meeting, Mr Price-Thomas said he was pleased the Argus was supporting it in the talks over the merger.

He said: "It is very encouraging to have readers of the Argus show an interest in our service and back our opinions. We certainly welcome it." He added: "We've gone to the wire with the decision but the Home Office have had every opportunity to come up with facts and figures.

"We must debate, we must get it right and we have to be satisfied if we are going to re-organise."

He said if there was a merger police in Gwent would continue to do their job.

He said: "If Mrs Jones calls the police at night, we will be there and do our job no matter what."

Gwent Assistant Chief Constable Bill Horne said the police "fully backed" the authority's decision.

"The main issue is to have links with the communities. We will continue to provide what is a very good level of service."

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Mr Clarke had set today as the deadline by which authorities had to agree to the merger.

From March 1, he has warned he will start seeking a merger himself. That process will start with a four-month period of consultation, giving members of the public, local authorities and the National Assembly the chance to air their concerns.

Mr Clarke may now be forced to seek legislative powers to force a merger through.