LEIGH MP Andy Burnham welcomed the Government's announcment to allow local people the chance to vote to have an elected North West Regional Assembly.

The Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said on Monday that people in the North West would be able to have their say on whether they want a regional assembly -- in a vote to be held this autumn.

Mr Burnham believes that a Regional Assembly would have real powers, and bring more jobs, training and investment to the town.

He said: "A Regional Assembly would have real powers, devolved from Government -- this is crucial for places like Leigh. We all remember the Xanadu project being blocked by London. With Regional Government these decisions will be made by local people accountable to local people who understand local issues.

"A Government for the North West should be for the North West by the North West. A Regional Assembly allows unique policies to be formulated that enhance our region's strengths and solve our regions problems."

The Boundary Review will now conduct a study on how Regional Government should work, and they will report back in May 2004. The earliest elections will take place will be in 2006.

What do you think? Should we have a North West Regional Assembly? Will it make a difference to our everyday lives?

e-mail your views to rjohnson@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk