A POLICE authority in the North-East is supporting the merger of the region's three main police forces.

Northumbria Police Authority is recommending a single strategic force consisting of Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland.

At the monthly meeting of the authority, on Friday, members agreed that an amalgamation of the three forces was the best option for the region and its communities.

Northumbria Chief Constable Mike Craik said: "This solution will, we believe, continue to provide the best possible service to all the people of the region while addressing the issues in the recent Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) report.

"We believe the report's focus on strengthening neighbourhood policing and basic command units - which are already at the heart of policing in Northumbria - means no significant changes in the way these services will be provided to local people.

"But there will have to be changes in how those services are led and managed."

The shake-up follows an HMIC review on police structures in England and Wales, endorsed by Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

The review focused almost exclusively on the capability of forces to deliver protective services, such as anti terrorism measures.

Councillor Mick Henry, chairman of Northumbria Police Authority, said: "Our major priority must always be the best quality policing for local people - Northumbria is already one of the most efficient and effective forces in the country and I am confident that will be maintained."

The issue has sparked a row between the chairman of Cleveland Police Authority and the chief constable of Durham Constabulary.

The Cleveland authority chairman, Councillor Dave McLuckie, said Cleveland would like to merge with the South Durham area to create a police force for the Tees Valley.

But Paul Garvin, County Durham's most senior officer, said the idea was unworkable and a flight of fancy.

Councillor Anne Wright, chairman of Durham Police Authority, supports the idea of one force for the region.