by political editor Paul Francis

Kent Police has rebuffed fresh suggestions that it might merge with neighbouring force in Essex.

Ministers say they would not stand in the way of any forces merging on a voluntary basis and but have denied they have any firm plans for particular forces to do so.

Kent Police said that it was not contemplating or discussing any full merger plan but acknowledged that it was working increasingly closely with Essex on certain initiatives.

It was reported on Monday that the Home Office was looking to encourage mergers of some police forces, including Essex and Kent.

But the chairman of Kent Police Authority, Ann Barnes, said there was no merged planned.

She said: "A few years ago the Home Office suggested forces merging and both communities made it very clear they wanted their own police force and their own chief constable. We have listened to this and I’m confident it will stay this way."

In a statement, Kent Police said that while there were partnerships between the two forces and a three-year plan to collaborate on initiatives, a merger was not on the cards.

"Kent Police, Essex Police and their Police Authorities currently have no plans to merge. However, the two forces and police authorities have a history of working together and created a more formal collaboration around two and a half years ago. While some resources are shared, for example the use of a police helicopter and mounted police, the intention has always been to maintain the distinct identity of each force," it said.

Police minister David Hanson said the Government would support voluntary mergers.

"I am happy to support voluntary mergers to help forces tackle the complex policing landscape they face. Chief Constables and police authorities have to tackle serious organised crime and counter terrorism as well as the crucial neighbourhood policing that is so valuable to people locally. Where they think those services could be provided better by merging with a neighbouring force the Policing White Paper sets out a comprehensive programme to support it."

The possibility of a merger between Kent, Surrey and Sussex was put forward by the Government in 2006 but was subsequently dropped by the then Home Secretary Charles Clark after pressure from police forces.