THE biggest change in policing for 30 years could be done and dusted in 16 days. That is the very definition of a mad rush.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced his plans to squash together the 43 existing police forces into 12 regional "superforces" only last November. Last night he declared that the North Yorkshire constabulary should join with the South and West Yorkshire forces and Humberside. He wants the police authorities' response by April 7.

The implications are vast. They will affect all our lives. Yet they were never put to the public. Mr Clarke's proposals come only months after Labour was returned to power on a manifesto which made no mention of the plans to transform our police service beyond recognition.

North Yorkshire stands to lose the most from the reorganisation. It will be not so much merged as submerged.

Imagine a force charged with policing Leeds, Hull, Bradford and Sheffield. Where will York rank in the list of priorities? The city's commander ranks high enough to wield genuine influence over force policy. Not, it seems, for much longer.

Those who live in rural North Yorkshire already complain about receiving a second class police service. Such a feeling would be magnified many times by the creation of an oversized and remote force. Local accountability and public trust would be diminished.

Be in no doubt, council taxpayers will pay dearly to turn the old bill into the new. A £1 billion price tag has been mentioned. Downing Street believes the plans to be a costly distraction.

Given such disquiet, it is imperative that Yorkshire's chief constables unite to urge the Home Secretary to give the plans more time and thought.

Updated: 10:25 Wednesday, March 22, 2006