THE North West Regional Assembly has hit back at CBI claims that there is little support for an elected parliament in the region.

CBI leaders have called for tougher criteria in any referendum on creating a regional assembly.

They believe that a simple majority vote in favour -- more than 50 per cent of the turnout for any referendum -- would not be a strong enough mandate for a regional parliament.

Instead, the CBI believes that the result should require either a 50 per cent turnout, or a vote in favour from 30 per cent of the entire eligible electorate.

The CBI, which has withdrawn from the unelected North West Regional Assembly, believes there is little support for an elected body.

But a spokesman for the NWRA said: "CBI claims that the business community in the region do not support devolution do not stand up to scrutiny.

"In a fully inclusive survey, a majority of the NWRA's economic and social partners, representing more than a million employees in the region, backed a directly elected regional assembly."

"And despite repeated requests over the past year, the CBI has refused to provide evidence of a survey of any of its members to back up claims of business scepticism."

The Assembly says that although it does not agree with the CBI's "artificial goals and undemocratic demands", it welcomes the fact that the organisation is finally recognising the importance of the regional debate.

New scheme

to help more

into work

JOBCENTRE Plus in Bolton and Bury has launched a plan to help disadvantaged people find employment.

The scheme -- progress2work -- is a partnership with Tony Walsh Associates Ltd.

Both organisations work closely with the probation service, local drug agencies and a range of voluntary and statutory organisations to help people take up training or job opportunities.

The scheme was launched at the Festival Hall in Bolton by Bill Marks, Jobcentre Plus district manager, and Barbara Bate, Bolton district manager for the national probation service.

It was supported by the Bolton and Bury drug action teams.

Jobcentre Plus, which is part of the Department for Work and Pensions, brings together the network of Jobcentres and Social Security offices.

It provides services to employers, job seekers and those claiming a working-age benefit. To find out more about progress2work, call Linda Bailey on 01942 755811.