A REGIONAL assembly would take power away from the people, claims a Conservative councillor.

Andrew Morgan, who represents Hulton Park, said proposals for an elected North-west Regional Assembly would mean abolishing the likes of Blackrod, Horwich and Westhoughton Parish Councils and replacing them with bodies in Manchester or Preston.

Cllr Morgan said that decision-makers in such an assembly would be too far removed from the public.

He said: "Bolton residents identify with their parishes, towns and counties, not distant politicians based around meaningless Government regions.

"These assemblies are a centralising tool, taking power away from local councils -- such as decisions on planning and transport."

Cllr Morgan also claiming that the administration costs for regional assemblies could run to £200m a year.

The Government is listening to arguments for and against regional assemblies.