COUNCIL leaders have teamed up to slam the next step of proposals in the move towards regional government.

This week the government's Boundary Committee announced its draft recommendations for the North West if next year's referendum supported the reorganisation.

Preston and South Ribble would probably either team up with Chorley and parts of Wyre and the Fylde to become a larger, central Lancashire authority, or be part of a Lancashire-wide, super-authority.

But when the local council chiefs met at a special meeting on Monday, they were united in their disappointment with the proposals.

Councillor Howard Gore, leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: "There isn't much that unites the political parties, but this is one of those issues. What is on offer is just not right for local Government."

Originally when Preston and South Ribble were asked for their preferred options on the issue of regional government, both agreed that teaming up together or with Chorley would be an option.

But the new proposals could see residents of Wyre and the Fylde represented by the same authority as someone in Leyland.

Coun Gore said: "I think it's partly a numbers game. The population of Preston, Chorley and South Ribble add up to 340,000 people, and the Committee have felt they need another 40 or 50,000. Where is the democracy in that?"

And Councillor John Collins, leader of Preston City Council, said: "I feel very strongly that grafting 50,000 people from the Fylde and Wyre is like creating a monster with two heads.

"The leaders of Preston, Chorley and South Ribble have met with the leaders of the Fylde and Wyre, took on board their views and decided that we would continue to work together as a big five to oppose the splitting of the Fylde and Wyre."

A referendum is likely to take place next October.