SIX of the seven district councils in County Durham yesterday announced their opposition to proposals to replace them with one authority.

The Durham District Forum voiced concerns that a county-wide authority would be unable to offer improved and efficient services.

On Wednesday, Durham County Council's ruling Labour Group backed a single council.

The councils are responding to the publication of the Government's White Paper on the reorganisation of local government, which suggests replacing the two-tier system in the shires with unitary authorities or an enhanced version of the existing system of district and county councils.

Forum chairman Councillor Bob Fleming, the leader of Sedgefield Borough Council, said the county's decision was expected because of its long-stated preference for a single council.

However, he said district and borough councils were best at providing efficient, value-for-money services.

He said: "I have real concerns that a single unitary (authority) for the county will be unable to deliver better and more efficient services.

"Residents and neighbourhoods will find it difficult to make their voices heard in such a large organisation.

"We are exploring alternative options -new and radical approaches to local governance which aim to make a real difference to service delivery and citizen engagement, rather than continue with a county model that has not in the past and will not in the future, fully meet the needs of the people. We have the opportunity to inject fresh thinking and new ideas into local services' delivery, and Durham County Council is welcome to work with the districts on our innovative plans."

Durham City Council is yet to voice an opinion. If approved, the new arrangement could come into force in 2009.