A CENTRAL custody facility catering for police stations throughout the Teesside area could be established if a cash bid proves successful.

Members of Cleveland Police Authority gave their backing yesterday to a proposed bid to the Home Office for the suite.

If it proves successful, a facility worth £12m could be in place as early as 2002.

The single site would replace the force's custody facilities in Stockton, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

Along with two stand-by buildings at Billingham and Loftus, they contain more than 70 cells.

Chief Constable Barry Shaw, who presented a report on the matter to the Police Authority, said the current system is inefficient and uneconomical.

He stated: "There may be significant financial and operational benefits to the force and the Police Authority from the provision of a central custody facility in Cleveland."

Among the advantages outlined are that the number of custody sergeants and other posts could be cut, leaving officers free for other duties.

He also claims that money could be saved through the operation of a single facility rather than several different ones, many of which are old and expensive to run.

An initial approach made to the Home Office has indicated that there is a possibility of a Private Finance Initiative grant being given.

This would be subject to ministers' acceptance of a detailed plan for the development.