WIDE-RANGING soundings will be taken over the proposed shake-up of North-East police forces.

Durham Police Authority has agreed to consult in all areas of society over the possible merger of three of the region's forces.

It follows Government requests to police authorities to draw up proposals for potential mergers to create larger "strategic forces", each employing at least 4,000 officers.

Durham authority chairwoman Councillor Anne Wright said: "We want the public, as stakeholders, partners, officers and staff to tell us about their concerns and the things we need to take into account as we develop our proposals."

She said it was imperative that any restructuring maintained Durham Police's record on crime reduction, and said the authority was seeking to consult widely next month and in December to refine their proposals.

Civic leaders across the county have already expressed views on potential mergers.

The leader of Darlington Borough Council wants the town to retain control over its policing in any shake-up of the forces.

Councillor John Williams said he would like a solution in which Darlington had a division within the region.

He said: "I am convinced that this will help us to develop the level of policing that residents here deserve."

A number of councils received presentations from Durham and Cleveland constabularies, setting out their vision for North-East policing.

Durham Chief Constable Paul Garvin wants a single North-East force, comprising Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria constabularies.

Meanwhile, Cleveland is considering a number of options, but favours a Tees Valley force, based on Government city/region lines, combining Cleveland and South Durham.

Sedgefield Borough Council leader Bob Fleming said: "They both have very good cases, but at the moment we have not made a final decision on what our view is."

Chester-le-Street District Council leader Linda Ebbatson said: "My concern about any option forwarded is to ensure that the neighbourhood element is absolutely assured.

"That element of policing needs to improve, because that is where local authorities like ours have to work together closely with the police."

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond, who chairs the town's community partnership, said Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price has been invited to address the council.

He said: "My personal feeling is that a single North-East force would not be very good for Hartlepool. We are doing very well at the moment thank-you, and no change would very good for us in terms of our policing, but that is not going to happen."

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Mayor and former police chief Ray Mallon said he had not yet made a decision.

Police chiefs have been given until December 23 to come up with proposals to submit to the Home Office.

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