FAMILY doctors today repeated their opposition to a merger of NHS primary care trusts in Huddersfield.

South Huddersfield Primary Care Trust said it believed two trusts were better for the town and surrounding area.

But officials added they would be investigating the possibility of more links between the two trusts.

The statement came after it was reported that the Audit Commission wanted a shake-up.

It lead to a merger call by Huddersfield Central Primary Care Trust.

But doctors in South Huddersfield said the wrong interpretation had been made.

What the Audit Commission actually wanted was more joint working arrangements, it was claimed.

A spokesman for South Huddersfield Primary Care NHS Trust said: "The trust has welcomed the recommendations of the Audit Commission report and is working with Huddersfield Central PCT to respond to them."

"We consider that the result will be a significant improvement to the effectiveness of both PCTs and healthcare across Huddersfield and South Kirklees."

However, Rob Napier, chairman of Huddersfield Central Primary Care Trust, said community needs would best be met by a single trust.