DEVOLUTION campaigners in the North-East have condemned reports that creating an elected regional assembly would be at the price of abolishing county councils.

There have been unattributed stories in the national press that county councils such as Durham could be abolished if devolution goes ahead.

However, the Campaign for a North-East Assembly said there may be "wreckers" of devolution within Tony Blair's Government, and that he should not listen to them.

Local Government and the Regions Secretary Stephen Byers is due to publish a White Paper on plans for elected regional assemblies next month.

Campaigners fear that the proposals could be watered down due to behind-the-scenes pressure by opponents within the Cabinet.

Ian Mears, chairman of the Campaign for a North-East Assembly, said the future of county councils was a separate issue.

"It should be stated loud and clear that local government reform is a distraction from the devolution agenda."

He added: "The North-East is ready to vote in a referendum, which would establish an elected assembly that would take major powers away from London and provide for a new and different political voice for our region."

Mr Mears warned that devolution of power away from Whitehall would "become entangled in a blind alley debate over false choices between county councils and regional government."