PROTESTERS opposed to the merger of Huddersfield and Dewsbury police divisions are holding a public meeting.

Opponents of the link-up will gather at Dewsbury Town Hall next Monday.

Politicians of all parties have spoken out against the merger due to be rubber-stamped at a meeting on Friday next week.

Clr Robert Light, leader of the Tories on Kirklees Council, said: " I believe this merger is simply a cost-cutting exercise and I have seen no evidence that policing in either Huddersfield or Dewsbury will be improved.

"Indeed I cannot see how this merger can possibly improve policing, efficiency or do anything to benefit local people or reduce crime levels in the area."

Next Monday's protest meeting is in Dewsbury Town Hall's Victoria Hall, starting at 7pm.

Tory councillor Martyn Bolt, who booked the venue, appealed for people to attend.

He said: "For a decision which will have an impact on future generations of Kirklees residents, I feel the people's voice should be heard."

Campaigners are planning to call on Home Secretary David Blunkett to step in and halt the merger.

The merger decision was agreed at a private meeting of West Yorkshire Police Authority and is due to be approved by its best value review committee.

Kirklees Labour councillor Paul Kane said: "The promised community consultation has been nothing short of a travesty.

"The way the police have handled the situation smacks of imposition. The police authority and some members on it should be ashamed of themselves."