BOUNDARY Committee research figures have provided cast iron support for the basis of Cheshire County Council's blueprint to bring democracy closer to local communities, say county chiefs.

A MORI poll commissioned by the committee revealed that 78% of those questioned identified most strongly with their neighbourhood or village.

And the county's submission for local government reorganisation - should voters say 'yes' to regional government next autumn - will bring more power to those communities under a single unitary authority.

The county council says its plan brings power to local people through a network of area committees, town and parish councils.

Labour group leader and Ellesmere Port councillor Derek Bateman said: 'Cheshire's submission to the Boundary Commission builds on its excellent record, over many years of service delivery, particularly in education and social services.

'It also recognises local distinctiveness and the sense of locality that all its residents feel.

'Strategic service delivery with a local interface adds up, we believe, to a real win, win situation.

County Councillor Lynn Hardwick (Conservative) said: 'We are seeking to give local people a greater say in their own affairs - backed by the proven expertise and resources from one of the country's top authorities, already responsible for around 80% of the services in the area.

'The fact that local people identify more strongly with their neighbourhood or village than their county as a whole surprises no-one. Certainly it was one of the planks of our submission.

'And it is our contention that within that submission, people at parish, town and community level will for the first time have responsibility for major decision making in the areas they identify with most strongly.'

County Councillor Sue Proctor, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, felt MORI'S crucial findings were the factors that those questioned felt most important in deciding local government boundaries.

She said: 'Quality of services, cost, responding to local people and being accountable to local people were priorities for the public.

'In terms of cost - not surprisingly vital to our taxpayers - a single unitary authority - the preferred option of all political parties on the county council - will be much cheaper to run.

'In direct contrast a two unitary option could cost taxpayers around £18m to £24m to run annually. And a three unitary model from £29m to £44m more.

'Rather important, I would suggest, to those same council taxpayers who are already paying our £7m a year for the last 1997.'