A CONTROVERSIAL council survey has revealed that 60 per cent of people in Stanley are against the creation of an independent town council.

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

There was a 34 per cent return rate and four out of ten people voted in favour of a new political group.

Critics said 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 went to every person on the electoral roll in the wards affected was discussed with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) 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.

He said: "Some people have refused to send it back because it has their name and address and they wanted it to be anonymous.

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