THE newly-appointed chairman of Cleveland Police authority has promised to make people feel safe in their homes.

Councillor Dave McLuckie has taken up the post after the force experienced a difficult year, facing up to a £7.3m financial black hole and stinging criticism from the Audit Commission.

The 44-year-old former vice-chairman replaces Ted Cox, who announced his intention to stand down in April.

Following his election, Coun McLuckie stressed the need to drive forward with new and effective approaches to strengthen the force's finances and improve frontline policing.

He said: "There has been a very real turnaround in both dealing with the immediate challenges and recognising that we need to examine every aspect of the way in which we deliver services in the future."

He added: "Whilst we will do everything to support the chief constable and his officers and provide the maximum resources for them to fight crime and anti-social behaviour, we have a key role to act as representatives of the public in calling the force to account.

"What matters is that local people feel confident that the police are dealing with what matters most to them - tackling the real issues which affect the quality of their lives and responding to their concerns."

Chief Constable Sean Price welcomed Coun McLuckie's appointment.

He said: "He has vast experience of serving the community through his local authority and I look forward to a successful partnership."

The new vice-chairman is Stockton councillor Chris Coombs.