THE North-East’s biggest police force and its smaller neighbour are to investigate a potential merger.

The police authorities that oversee the Durham and Northumbria forces agreed earlier this week, during behind closed doors sessions, to order a report into the issue.

The Northern Echo reported last month that a merger was back on the agenda – a Government-driven three-way merger also involving Cleveland was examined in 2006, but came to nothing – when details of initial secret discussions were leaked.

This time, Durham and Northumbria are voluntarily looking at the potential benefits of pooling their resources.

Both authorities have apparently been given a short assessment that outlines the advantages of a merger which, officials claim, could lead to improved policing in both areas.

The two authorities have requested that talks continue and a detailed report highlighting the benefits to operational policing, including frontline and protective services, and how a merger could also create more financial resilience, be prepared.

There have been claims that Durham needs to save £1.3m because the Government is reducing its grant.

Peter Thompson, chairman of Durham Police Authority, said: “The authority is determined to provide policing services that its communities want, but to do this we may need to look at new ways of working which could make the two forces even more efficient and effective.

“Members agreed that a possible merger with Northumbria is one option and, from the initial assessment, we think it is worth exploring this option further.”

His Northumbria counterpart, Mick Henry, said: “As well as planning strategic police services in the short-term, one of our key roles is to consider how policing in Northumbria can be developed and improved in the future.

“One option that might be of potential benefit, and provide even more efficient and effective policing services, is a merger with Durham.

“Members, therefore, took the decision for the talks with Durham Police Authority to continue and for a detailed report to be produced.”

The report is expected to be presented later this year and the authorities said that once they have received it they will ask the public if they support a merger.