UNION members have expressed concern over plans to reorganise police divisions in a North-East force.

Under the plans to be implemented next April, Durham's six police divisions would be reduced to four by merging Chester-le-Street, Durham and Derwentside as one, and Wear and Tees being joined with Sedgefield.

Despite reassurances from police chiefs that the shake-up would not lead to redundancies and would see more police on the beat, some civilian staff have expressed concern about their pay and jobs.

Unison branch secretary Gerry Gallagher said some staff, who were already overworked, were looking for new jobs because of the uncertainty about the future.

He said: "In my 29 years in this force I have never known support staff morale so low. Action is required as a matter of urgency, a fundamental review of the salary structure needs to be carried out.

"Staff see this particular review as the final straw."

Concerns have also been expressed that inspectors and other uniformed police officers could be left overworked by the changes.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Garvin, who is leading the changes, has pledged the changes will not lead to job cuts and promised to keep all staff informed of the changes, including possible increases to support staff's work loads.