THE Government will not intervene to prevent a disastrous fall in police numbers in Hertsmere.

The Home Office has rejected a plea by MP James Clappison and Hertsmere Borough Council to help stem the flow of front-line strength from the area which includes Bushey, Radlett and Aldenham as seconded officers return to the Met.

There will be no extra money to address the £4,000 pay difference between the Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Met, and there are no plans to match the free 70 mile travel enjoyed by Met officers.

The message there would be no Government help came in a letter to Mr Clappison.

With a cross-party delegation from the council, in April he met Charles Clarke, who was then a Home Office minister.

At the meeting, the group requested a delay in the return of officers to the Met.

There are 95 officers in the Hertsmere division, 62 per cent of whom are on secondment from then Met.