CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to merge the region's police forces into a single "superforce" were last night buoyed by a fresh pledge from the Government.

Police Minister Tony McNulty announced that the pace of the controversial mergers would slow down because of "very real issues" raised by the proposals.

Cleveland Police Authority is opposed to the Government's plan for a single North-East force - created by combining Cleveland, Northumbria and Durham forces - and yesterday launched the first legal challenge to the mergers.

The authority is seeking a judicial review at the High Court because it says it has no other choice.

It wants to slow down the process and win an interim order banning Home Secretary John Reid from merging forces until the conclusion of the judicial review proceedings.

Last night, Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price welcomed news that the mergers would be slowed down, but said he hoped this did not just mean "delaying the wrong decision".

Mr McNulty said: "Engaging further with the police, local authorities and the public may mean change will happen at a slower pace, but we are determined to get the process right and to protect our communities."

Mr Price replied: "We started the judicial review process today. All we ask for is that the Home Secretary takes more time and looks at the options. If that is what Mr McNulty was saying today, then that is a step forward."

He added that he and Cleveland Police Authority chairman Dave McLuckie had asked to meet Mr McNulty and Mr Reid, but had not been successful as yet.

"We all want to do this round a table, not in a courtroom," said Mr Price.

Last week, The Northern Echo predicted that the merger programme would slow down.

Mr McLuckie said: "I welcome any slowing down of the process because this is far too big an issue to rush through at the current speed.

"What is worrying is that Mr McNulty and the Home Secretary do not appear to be prepared to look at other options other than force mergers. Simply slowing down the process doesn't mean that the end result of creating huge police forces is the right thing."

The Government wants to reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43 to 24.

If Cleveland's legal challenge is successful, it is likely to throw the Government's merger timetable into chaos.

Last night, the Home Office said it was premature to seek a judicial review.