NORTH Yorkshire residents have less than a week left to comment on proposals to restructure policing in the county.

North Yorkshire Police Authority and North Yorkshire Police have been asked by Home Secretary Charles Clark to draw up detailed analysis of two options to create a strategic regional force.

The options are:

* Amalgamation of the four police services in the region - North, West and South Yorkshire and Humberside.

* Amalgamation of North Yorkshire Police with West Yorkshire Police.

As part of the process, the public has been invited to comment on the plans.

This can be done by completing a questionnaire, which can be found on the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire. police.uk

Copies of the questionnaire can be requested to be sent by post by calling (01609) 789700.

The closing date for public response is Friday.

North Yorkshire Police Authority chairman Councillor Jane Kenyon said: "I feel it is very important for the public to become involved and have their say.

"I want as many people as possible to take part, and express their views, before the authority and chief constable come to their decisions on this matter."

The chairman of the police authority and the chief constable are required to submit their preferred option to the Home Secretary by December 23.

The issue will be discussed at a police authority meeting in York on Tuesday, December 20.