THE referendum on whether the North-west should have its own elected regional assembly is to take place on November 4.

The Government announced the date on Thursday, ending speculation that the poll could be delayed because of problems with postal voting in last month's council and European elections.

Minister Nick Raynsford said it was a "historic opportunity" for people to change how their regions are governed.

It is intended that the referendum will be by postal vote.

But Bolton Council Lib Dem leader Barbara Ronson and Conservative leader Alan Rushton have called for a return to the ballot box after the trouble over Bolton's postal ballot.

Many voters in Bolton did not receive their papers in time for the election on June 10 and had to collect their papers from the town hall.

Four emergency polling booths were also set up in Rumworth, Hulton and Westhoughton because thousands were without ballot papers.

About 42 per cent of votes were returned in the election - matching last year's ballot by post and bettering the 32 per cent turnout of 2002 when polling stations were in use.

An elected North-west assembly - a mini parliament - would have regional strategic powers. There would still be a separate Bolton Council.

The Government is spending £5 million to make voters aware of the referendum and to inform them of the arguments for and against a regional assembly.

Before the end of this month, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is expected to publish details of the powers a regional assembly would have, its budgets and the number of staff.