A NORTH-East police authority is threatening to take legal action to prevent its officers from being engulfed by a huge region-wide force.

The Home Office's Review Unit, which is looking at amalgamations of police forces across the country, has indicated that its only preferred option is for a single force to police the area.

For every other part of the country the review team has agreed to at least two options, but it is the solitary plan to create a super-force from Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria that has the chairman of Cleveland Police Authority up in arms.

Councillor Dave McLuckie said: "We believe it is entirely wrong that, whilst the rest of the country is being allowed to choose from a number of options, attempts are being made to deny us that same choice.

"That is why we are seeking legal advice to protect the position of our police service.

"The whole process is being driven forward with almost reckless haste.

"It appears no real thought has been given to the cost implications or how such huge forces could be properly governed, and it would appear that as far as Home Office bureaucrats are concerned, the views of the public are there to be ignored."

The Home Office confirmed it chose the single option because it would ensure that a strategic force remained consistent with Government Office North East boundaries.

But Coun McLuckie believes there is a growing groundswell of support for Cleveland's plan for two forces for the north and south of the region.

"The only part of the country which has quite clearly rejected the regional agenda is the only part of the country where there is an attempt to foist on us a regional police force without any alternative," said Coun McLuckie.

"We will continue to argue and develop the case for a Tees Valley force, covering the current Cleveland area and south Durham."

Before the Home Office's announcement, Northumbria and Durham constabularies had both said they were in favour of the proposed single force, which could have a possible headquarters in Durham City.

A series of options put forward to the review team for the other regions could result in England and Wales being covered by between 12 and 23 forces.

North Yorkshire is facing the choice of two options - a single regional strategic force made up of North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Humberside or two forces, covering West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire and Humberside.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "We are looking at the options very closely. We intend to consult with the public prior to submitting our response."

All police forces across the country have until December 23 to submit a business plan for their preferred option, whether it has been shortlisted or not.