THE public could soon be given limited police powers in a part of the North-East - including the ability to detain people.

Community support officers are included in the Police Reform Bill, which received the Royal Assent a few days ago.

Cleveland Police and the Cleveland Police Authority are bidding for government funding to recruit a support force which would work alongside police officers.

The community support officers would be in addition to the part-time special constabulary and the council-organised street wardens who have no police powers.

Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of the police authority, said community support officers would be particularly welcome in areas where community wardens have already made an enormous contribution.

He said the bid demonstrates "once again our commitment to use every possible measure to tackle crime and improve public safety".

Coun Walker said: "It is important to stress that community support officers will be in addition to - and in support of - police officers."

Cleveland Chief Constable Barry Shaw said: "The community support officers could help us tackle anti-social behaviour and other problems which spoil life for ordinary people and allow police officers to spend more time to tackle drugs, burglaries and vehicle crime."