BOLTON'S three MPs are divided on plans to create a directly elected North-west regional assembly.

A YouGov poll last week showed that just 32 per cent of the public were in favour of the idea, 27 per cent were against and the rest expressed no preference.

A full referendum on whether or not the North-west should have its own "parliament" will be held in the autumn. It would have powers to make key regional strategic decisions.

The idea is being backed by the MP for Bolton South East, Dr Brian Iddon, who urged his constituents to swot up on the proposal.

Bolton West MP and government finance minister Ruth Kelly also supports the proposals.

She said: "Such a body would allow us a strong voice in championing our needs and interests in the region. It would enable important decisions - such as those affecting jobs, housing and transport, currently being taken at Whitehall - to be made at a regional level and strengthen regional economic growth."

But David Crausby, MP for Bolton North East, said he was sceptical and viewed the lack of a clear majority in the opinion poll as a sign that people did not want a regional assembly.

Mr Crausby said: "I would expect that the public would be against it. My view is that people should have the opportunity to decide.

"I'm a bit sceptical because it's very difficult to see a clear region that defines the North-west. With Wales and Scotland, it's very easy to see where the boundaries lie. I don't think there should be any heavy campaigning to try and persuade people one way or another. It's something they should really want."

Dr Iddon said he believed the devolution of some powers from government would give the region a more strategic role in planning the future of the North-west. The region already has a non-elected North-west assembly and elected members would give it legitimacy.

He said: "The assembly is doing a great job in pulling local authorities together. We've got regional strategies for housing in place which has allowed us to receive pathfinder money - money which is given to improving housing in areas of market collapses such as Burnley and East Lancashire.

"What I would say to people who have given the indication that they do not want a regional parliament at the moment is to listen to the debate that is going to be going on between now and next autumn and to make their mind up based on knowledge rather than ignorance."