FUNDING cuts have prompted concerns the Tees Valley could lose its police helicopter base.

The National Police Air Service (Npas), which operates 20 helicopter bases around the country, is considering closing five bases to save money.

The proposal has not been confirmed and no bases have been earmarked for closure.

However, the move has prompted Cleveland police and crime commissioner Barry Coppinger to meet with other PCCs and senior police officers to discuss the future of the police helicopter service in the region.

Cleveland Police's helicopter transferred to Npas in 2013, but continued to be based at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

The switch meant the force no longer had its own dedicated helicopter, with other forces able to call on the aircraft.

However, senior Cleveland Police officer defended the move at the time, saying the new arrangements would provide the same aircraft cover for Cleveland and at a cheaper cost.

Discussing Npas' new proposal to cut costs, Mr Coppinger said: “Whilst Npas are still in discussions on the future operational model, I have arranged a meeting this week with PCCs and senior officers from the North-East and Cumbria alongside key Npas representatives, to discuss the current situation and plans for the future of air support for Teesside and further afield."

Mr Coppinger said the force had been happy with the level of service received through Npas so far.

However, he added: "Should this change, I will be renegotiating a better deal for our area so that we can use the funds to deliver policing locally on the ground.

"I’ve recently joined the NPAS board, representing the North-East, and I look forward to representing the views from our region at a national level.”

Chief Superintendent Ian Whitehouse, Npas accountable manager, said the force, like others was expected to find large financial savings.

He added: "We have been set a target of finding 14 per cent of revenue cuts over the next three years. These cuts are in addition to the 23 per cent revenue savings already saved by the creation of Npas. There is no easy way to do this and difficult decisions have to be made.

"One possible way of achieving the savings is to operate a 15-base model. This is something that is being discussed but no decision has yet been taken."

Npas' other bases in the North of England include Newcastle and Wakefield.

Metropolitan Police Service will be joining Npas at the end of March and Dyfed-Powys Police in October then finally Humberside Police in September 2016.