A COUNCIL'S Conservative leadership has declared its opposition to the principle of regional government, claiming government plans to scrap or merge Lancashire authorities will be costly and undemocratic.

The announcement comes as Hyndburn Council prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in the summer, with a procession, civic parade, church service, fun fair and Continental street market.

At its meeting today, Hyndburn's Tory cabinet will formally recommend all councillors to oppose the type of local government reorganisation being proposed by the government.

The recommendation will then be debated by the full council, before a formal position is adopted.

Under the government's plan, a tier of district or county councils could be scrapped and roles merged, if regional assemblies are introduced.

A referendum on regional government for the North West is planned for the Autumn.

Hyndburn Council has debated this issue twice and would prefer to combine with the Ribble Valley district. However, Hyndburn has not yet debated regional assemblies nor taken a formal position on the issue.