LANCASHIRE MPs and peers are to hold a meeting with the police authority to discuss concerns about the Government's proposed shake-up of the force.

Last month Chief Constable Pauline Clare criticised Home Secretary David Blunkett's plans for the police service as a "hotch-potch" of ideas.

The White Paper on police reform currently being debated in the House of Lords, includes extra powers for civilian support staff and increased Government intervention in police affairs.

Mrs Clare told a meeting of the police authority that the paper was a "simplistic view of the police" and that she was disappointed with the lack of reference to road policing, seen by many in the county as a key police issue, and the lack of funding.

Now the county's MPs and peers are to meet with Mrs Clare and members of the authority to talk about the concerns and to discuss ways of getting the views of Lancashire people across at a national level.

One of Mrs Clare's main concerns was centred around the role of the so-called Community Support Officers, civilian support staff who will support police officers in some of their work.

Mrs Clare has said she would not want to see the CSOs given too many powers as it could be dangerous for them and for police officers working alongside them.

The meeting with the MPs and peers is likely to be held sometime in April and will be chaired by the chair of Lancashire Police Authority, Ruth Henig.

The Police Reform Bill is set to go before the House of Commons in April or May.