POLICE chiefs have claimed that the biggest shake-up in policing in County Durham for a decade will result in at least 20 more bobbies on the beat and no redundancies.

Under the changes, due to be implemented next April, the six police divisions in the county will be rearranged to become just four.

Chester-le-Street, Durham and Derwentside forces will become one, while Wear and Tees will be amalgamated with Sedgefield division.

The proposed changes mean plans for the Derwentside division to move to new premises have been temporarily shelved.

But despite 'real concerns' from staff about the possibilities of job losses, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Garvin has claimed the changes will not lead to redundancies and will actually result in more front-line police officer.

Mr Garvin said: "Some people may be required to work from different locations or do a slightly different job but we want to engage with all staff to make sure changes are implemented with the minimum of disruption and upset."

Members of the police authority will discuss the proposals, which also include merging the force's personnel and training departments, inext month.