THE results of a controversial poll calling for a referendum into the future of policing in the North-East has shown public support for a regional force is less than one in five residents.

The Mori survey has opened a bitter row between the three forces that could be merged by the Government's plans -Cleveland on one side and Durham and Northumbria on the other.

However, Cleveland Police Authority, which spent £48,000 commissioning the report, said the results spoke for themselves.

Mori conducted 4,798 telephone interviews with residents from across the region between April 7 and 23.

The most significant result was that 81 per cent of people were in favour of a referendum before a decision was made. Sixteen per cent were opposed.

Other findings show that 52 per cent of people gave their first preference as retaining the three existing forces, with only 17 per cent supporting a single force.

When asked if a single force would improve local policing, 19 per cent believed it would, and twice as many, 38 per cent, said it would worsen the quality. Thirty-four per cent said it would make no difference.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, the chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, said: "This is a damning verdict on both the proposal for a single force and the ham-fisted manner in which the entire review of police structures has been conducted."

The poll was dismissed by the chief constables of Northumbria and Durham, Mike Craik and Jon Stoddart.

Mr Craik said: "It is very disappointing that this should have happened at a time when we are all working very hard to reach a consensus on the way forward for a new strategic force for the North-East."

Local politicians gave the results a mixed response.

Stockton North MP Frank Cook was in favour of a referendum. He said: "I would support that idea. It makes sense and it is quite a bit better than simply issuing a dictat. A critical report was published two years ago which detailed the reasons why a merger like this should not go ahead, but I have not been able to see it."

Durham North MP Kevan Jones was highly critical of the cost and aim of the survey. He said: "I think the important thing for the police authorities of the North-East is to sit down and work with each other instead of, like in the case of Cleveland, wasting money on a survey."

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: "I have concerns as to how the Government and police respond to the priorities of the public as far as law and order is concerned and I do not believe a single regional force is the best way forward.

"Everyone now knows the views of the public regarding police restructuring, and I believe it is incumbent on all sides of the debate to ensure the views of the public are taken into account."