PLANS for a radical overhaul of local government in the North-East have sparked a scramble, as councils vie to protect their interests.

The Government is proposing a regional assembly for the North-East. If this is approved, the two-tier system, where Durham County Council provides some services and the district councils provide others, would be replaced with a single authority.

The Boundary Commission has invited councils to submit their proposals for change, which will be put to residents in a referendum. Earlier this year, all seven district and borough councils commissioned a study from experts Inlogov. The results suggested splitting the county into three unitary authorities, merging Derwentside and Chester-le-Street district councils, Easington district andDurham City and Wear Valleydistrict, Teesdale district and Sedgefield borough.

The county council is opposed to this and has put its case for a single, county-wide body.

Now Chester-le-Street council has voted to put forward its own proposals - linking Chester with Durham City and Stanley.

On Monday, Durham City Council is also expected to vote for its own plan to keep Durham separate. The city would become a fourth unitary authority, by expanding to swallow up places including Sacriston, Plawsworth and Langley Park, plus Spennymoor and Ferryhill.

Both Durham and Chester-le-Street have been criticised by Alex Watson, leader of Derwentside District Council.

He said: "Durham and Chester were both involved in commissioning the Inlogov report. They are running against an independent report and that is something they cannot get away from.

"Our position is still strong, as it has the backing of five authorities."

All the authorities are now racing to put their submissions to the Boundary Commission, before the September 8 deadline.

The commission's first report on the proposals is due in December.