MERGER plans which would create a "super-sized" police force for the Yorkshire and Humber region have come under fire from Liberal Democrats.

They claim that local peoples' objections are being ignored on the proposals which they say "the government seems hell bent on pushing through regardless".

Kirklees Liberal Democrat councillor Tony Woodhead said his main concern was who would foot the bill for the changes.

"A modest estimate would be that the changes will end up costing tax payers in the region of £53m," he said.

"The cost of changing the badges alone runs to over £3.5m!

"This is ridiculous at a time when the police are making real cuts in services."

He said West Yorkshire Police were now at the bottom of the government's funding league.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke has said he is considering a merger of West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humberside forces.

A decision will be made early next month.