A SINGLE police force covering the entire North-East moved a step closer yesterday after the Government revealed its preferred option was to merge the Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria forces.

However, the chairman of Cleveland Police Authority warned that the move would be "resisted tooth and nail".

Although the Home Office has declined to comment before an announcement tomorrow, the Government has written to the three police authorities to say it is in favour of the creation of a North-East superforce.

The Northern Echo understands that the preferred option is to site the headquarters of the region-wide force in Durham City.

The proposed shake-up was announced in September by Home Secretary Charles Clarke, to improve the police's ability to deal with terrorism and serious crime by amalgamating smaller forces.

However, it has split the region's senior police officers with an argument raging between, on the one hand, Durham and Northumbria, which favour the single force option, and on the other, Cleveland, which backs the creation of two new forces - a Tees Valley force formed by the merger of Cleveland with South Durham and a second force formed from the merger of North Durham with Northumbria.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, said he would continue to campaign for a Tees Valley force.

He said: "I cannot believe that an experienced politician such as Charles Clarke would consider seeking to impose a policing structure which he knows flies in the face of the views of not just the police authority and Chief Constable, but is strongly opposed by local Members of Parliament, together with our local authorities and, I am sure, an overwhelming majority of people living in the south of our region."

He was backed by Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price, who said he would be seeking urgent talks with the Home Secretary to discuss the situation.

Mr Price said: "This recommendation flies in the face of the wishes of the public and local businesses with whom I have consulted extensively over the issue of police reorganisation."

Forces are now being asked to draw up detailed versions of the plans with full costings, but the recommendation was welcomed by officers at the region's other two forces.

Northumbria chief constable Mike Craik said: "We believe a strategic force will give everyone in the region the very best policing service possible."

Durham Constabulary Chief Constable Paul Garvin, said: "We are happy to continue working with the regional model widely agreed to be the option that would deliver the best operational service to the people of County Durham and Darlington."

Durham Police Authority yesterday launched a consultation on the issue - asking 1,200 members of its citizens panel for their views and organising a forum at County Hall on December 12, where the public will be able to make their views known.