LANCASHIRE'S police force should be 'disturbed' as little as possible by the creation of a regional superforce, it has been insisted.

The claim was made at a public meeting held by the police authority, the body, which controls the funding and the budget for the police force.

David Keeley, a magistrate and member of the authority, told the meeting, held at Great Harwood library, that the staff at both the authority and the Lancashire Constabulary was working to prepare proposals for the Government as part of a consultation into the changes. Options are likely to include joining Lancashire with Cumbria, or with forces including Cheshire, Merseyside or Greater Manchester.

Mr Keeley said: "We would love Lancashire to remain untouched.

"That is the consensus of most people but I have to say I can't see that happening."

Proposals were being put together and had to be with the Secretary of State's office by Friday. People were working frantically, he said.

"What the outcomes are at this point I don't know but we are looking to disturb Lancashire as little as possible."