Police changes given go-ahead

A controversial reorganisation of Durham Police has been approved by the force's governing body.

The Durham Police Authority said the changes will mean more officers in front-line policing.

Under the new arrangements, the six territorial divisions of the Durham force will be replaced by two new areas - Durham North will be based in Chester-le-Street and Durham South in Darlington.

It is hoped the reorganisation will eventually put 100 more officers into frontline community policing.

The reorganisation also establishes two control rooms operating from Aykley Heads in Durham and Bishop Auckland.

But the changes have been criticised by councillors in Darlington who said the southern division would be too big and diverse, stretching as far as the Cumbrian border.

They wanted a specific division to serve the borough .