Two forces in the North East back the creation of a "superforce"

Chief Constable Jon Stoddart and councillor Anne Wright, chair of Durham Police Authority, were meeting Charles Clarke on Thursday.

Last week, the Durham delegation outlined provisional business plans for a "superforce" to top civil servants.

They also expressed concern about who pays for initial set-up costs.

The meetings are the culmination of a series of high level talks, including one with Police Minister Hazel Blears.

'Significant concerns'

Mrs Wright said: "Based on all the evidence collated we believe that, if amalgamations go ahead, the only sensible option for the North East is a single regional force.

"The separate meetings with both the Home Secretary and the Police Minister are excellent opportunities to share our vision and clarify the stance taken we have taken.

"The discussions also allow us once again to point out our very significant concerns about... the implications for council tax and the establishment of an effective mechanism for holding the police service to account at neighbourhood level.

"We have already publicly declared that unless the Government resolves these issues we can not see how any amalgamation could go ahead."