CHESHIRE residents have delivered a resounding blow to the county council's single unitary authority dream.

More than half of the 1998 people taking part in the independent survey said they would rather retain the present two-tier system.

Only 16% supported the council's local government review plan for a unitary all-purpose council for Cheshire, with most calling for enhancements to the present system.

Conservative County Councillor Mark Dickson says the survey results support his party's policy.

The Middlewich councillor said: 'I have always said we should have a two-tier system with enhancements.

'At the moment we have a situation where if there was a big flood, the county council would have the sandbags and the district council would have the sand.

'There is an overlap that needs to be straightened out but I believe that is best achieved within an enhanced two-tier system.'

The report also said that 73% of residents think the current system 'works well for me and my family'.

Asked to choose their preferred option from three possible local government structures, 52% chose to keep the present two-tier system of six district councils but with better inter-Council co-operation.

Only 16% of respondents said they would prefer a single all-purpose council for Cheshire with 23% favouring two unitary authorities, one for East and one for West Cheshire.

Mr Dickson added: 'I voted for two-tier because I didn't believe we were ready for such a huge change and I think the public agree.'

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