Home Secretary Charles Clarke wants the Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria forces to join.

Northumbria and Durham have agreed to the plan, but Cleveland favours a smaller scale merger with Durham.

Now Stockton Council has said it fears the jobs of more than 800 support staff in the Tees Valley could be at risk.

The continuing split between the three forces prompted Mr Clarke to order a four-month consultation process.

'Overwhelming opinion'

A motion passed by the council highlights "the risk posed to the jobs of over 800 support staff who live and work in the Tees Valley area".

Stockton councillor Chris Coombs, who is also the vice chair of Cleveland Police Authority, said: "I have no doubt that the message from Stockton members reflects the overwhelming opinion of local residents in the borough and the rest of the Cleveland force area.

"Members have also recognised that the Home Office's total failure to address key issues, including funding and the impact on staff, could have serious implications for hundreds of police employees and their families."

The Northumbria and Durham forces have admitted there were still details to sort out to ensure the new force is properly funded and is still accountable to people at a local and regional level.