HOME Secretary Charles Clarke's aim of completing all UK police mergers by April 1, 2007, was last night branded "an April Fool's joke" by opponents of a single Welsh force.

Mr Clarke confirmed yesterday that he planned to press ahead with controversial plans which would involve merging the four police forces in Wales.

Despite objections by Welsh police authorities, Mr Clarke believes an all-Wales force is the best way to police the country - but there is strong local opposition, including from the Argus, which is battling to save Gwent Police.

Mr Clarke had given the police authorities in Wales until last Friday to agree to a single force.

All four, including Gwent, rejected the plans, citing concerns over the speed of change, funding and community policing.

But Mr Clarke is pressing ahead and insisted yesterday he wanted to complete the mergers by April 1 next year.

Peter Law MP and AM for Blaenau Gwent said of the announcement: "It is an appropriate target date. April 1 is Fool's Day and this merger makes fools of the Home Office and of Charles Clarke, who have the audacity to dictate to the people of Wales on the formation of a new police authority. "I am totally against it and always have been.

"I regret this news very much indeed and think they too will come to regret it."

David Davies, MP and AM for Monmouth said: "I'm not sure whether it's an April Fool's joke or just a complete fool suggesting it.

"I am very concerned. This is a huge change in structure rushed through without proper consultation."

Mike German, leader of the Assembly's Liberal Democrat group said: "It's more April Bully's Day than April Fool's Day.

"It's a very sad reflection of democracy to have a Home Secretary who is not prepared to listen to the people of Wales."

Mr Clarke gave chief constables, police authorities and councils until July 7 to object.