LIBERAL Democrat members have given an overwhelming "thumbs down" to the Government's plans for a North West Regional Assembly, because they say that they do not go far enough.

With Conservative opposition assured, Liberal Democrat support will be vital if Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is to secure a positive outcome from the referendum on the issue he hopes to call before the next General Election. But a survey of party members has confirmed that many think the Government's proposals are half-hearted and will fail to provide the region with a powerful democratic body able to get things done.

Bolton Euro-MP Chris Davies says that the principle of having an elected regional assembly is backed by 85 per cent of Liberal Democrat members, but that the Government's actual proposals are a deep disappointment.

He claimed that major changes would be needed before Liberal Democrats would be prepared to work alongside Labour leaders in a referendum campaign.

Those supporting the creation of an elected regional assembly argue that, with its seven million people, the North-west is bigger than four EU nations and should have more say.

Mr Davies said: "Scotland has a parliament with tax-raising and law-making powers, but the North-west is being told to be happy with a talking shop. This is simply not good enough."

"Regional government should be about moving real decision-making away from London and to the North-west. Local authorities should not be affected, so it is a bad start that the Government is threatening the abolition of Cheshire, Cumbria and Lancashire county councils as the price to be paid."