A COUNCIL is to write to Prime Minister Tony Blair requesting a referendum on the proposed European Constitution.

Ribble Valley Council is calling for the referendum after Tory member Richard Sherras revealed the constitution would give control over a wide range of domestic matters to Europe.

The constitution will give the European Union "shared competence" over home affairs, transport, energy, social policy, economic and social cohesion, consumer protection and the environment.

Coun Sherras said: "There can be no denying that the proposed European Constitution will have huge implications for this council. More legislation binding local government will be decided at a European rather than a national level.

"The British people have a right to their say on a potentially irrevocable change to the way in which they are governed and a massive constitutional change is being proposed."