A TOP police officer will face protesters to explain controversial merger proposals between the Huddersfield and Dewsbury divisions.
Deputy chief constable Phillip Brear will be at a public meeting at Dewsbury Town Hall on Monday at 7pm.
Opponents claim the merger is a cost-cutting exercise and will do nothing to improve policing.
The deputy chief constable will be joined on the platform by West Yorkshire Police Authority chairman Clr Mark Burns-Williamson.
The final decision will be made by police authority members next Friday.
Tory councillor Khizar Iqbal, chairman of Kirklees Council's Dewsbury Area Committee, said public opinion was being ignored.
"The decision has been shrouded in secrecy, there has been no consultation, and now they are trying to rush it through by October 8. It's scandalous.
"The police authority claim this will save money and improve the service, but they have shown us nothing to justify such a claim."
Kirklees Tory councillor Martyn Bolt said: "This meeting is the only opportunity so far to have public consultation and debate on this issue.
"We hope at this 11th-hour it will give the police authority time to reflect."
