INTRODUCTION of a high-tech police communications system has been delayed for almost a year because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Durham Constabulary, as other forces across the country, is planning to replace its old analogue radio network with a digital system.

But movement restrictions in the countryside mean BT engineers cannot assess sites for 52 new radio masts.

The system, called Airwave, was due on air in the spring but the launch has been put back to next December at the earliest.

Inspector Brian Hills, Airwaves project manager, said: "While we are naturally very disappointed, the delays are producing some positive benefits. Not least is that the companies bidding to provide radios will have their very latest models available for trial later next year."

Durham has been using UHF and VHF frequencies since 1968.

The topography of some parts of County Durham mean there are "dead spots" where radio waves cannot reach or signals are muffled.

The new system will give officers using hand sets almost 100 per cent coverage of the county. It will give officers links to other forces, double as a mobile phone, enable officers to send text messages and could ultimately tap into intelligence and other computer networks.

It will cost an estimated £2.26m for equipment with annual running costs of just over £600,000.