A COUNCIL'S Conservative cabinet has declared its opposition to regional assemblies, saying the loss of existing Lancashire authorities would be undemocratic, costly and unpopular.

And Hyndburn Tories claim Labour councillors are unable to decide whether they are for or against local council reorganisation, which is being proposed by the government.

In a heated debate at yesterday 's cabinet meeting Tory council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "If regional government comes, Hyndburn will go down the river. Some people are happy to do that, but there are strong reasons against reorganisation.

"There is a lack of demand for change, and it would be costly and undemocratic. Blackburn people could vote on changing Hyndburn, which seems very, very wrong.

"What percentage of people voting for change in a referendum would be required for validity -- 70 per cent, 60 per cent, or what?

But Labour Coun David Myles disagreed, saying assemblies would bring many benefits to the region, and retain skilled young people. He said the public did not have enough information to make an informed choice.

And Hyndburn Council, like other Lancashire authorities, were putting out anti-assembly propaganda.