Survey against town council

Derwentside District Council sent a letter to 24,500 people in the town and surrounding villages to seek their views on the issue.

The survey had a 34 per cent return rate and four out of ten people voted in favour of a new political body.

However, critics said that the poll should have been conducted like a secret ballot because the form contained people's name and address.

Outspoken MP for North Durham Kevan Jones said the letter was biased against a new council because it warned of tax increases and an extra layer of government.

The survey, which was sent out to every person on the electoral role in the wards affected, was discussed with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister prior to posting.

It is John Prescott's office that will ultimately decide if Stanley is to get a town council.

Derwentside District Council leader Alex Watson said: "The results of the survey will be forwarded to the ODPM for their deliberation.

"I would also like to assure those residents who took the time to fill in the section asking for their comments, that the council will note their comments and take them into consideration when formulating policy for the Stanley area in future."

Mr Jones, who collected 3,000 names on a petition in favour of a town council, was sceptical about the results.

The MP said that some people have refused to send it back because it carried their name and address and they wanted it to be anonymous.

Mr Jones said: "This consultation was amateurish and it is an attempt to thwart efforts to get a town council.

"It was biased towards those who do not want one and I challenge them to supply both sides of the argument.

"I am fully for a proper consultation process, but not when it is so one-sided.

"This is just the kind of thing I have come to expect from Derwentside District Council.

"I want to make sure Stanley gets the voice it deserves."