THE Office for the Deputy Prime Minister has decided that Stanley can have its own town council.

The announcement follows a campaign that resulted in a 3,000-name petition being submitted to Derwentside District Council in favour of the scheme.

The authority responded by writing to residents, asking them if they wanted an independent political body for the former mining town.

Six out of ten respondents opposed the formation and the council was accused of showing bias by pointing out that council tax would have to rise to pay for it.

In July, councillors voted against the creation of a new council, but John Prescott's office has given the proposal its approval.

In a letter to the council seen by The Northern Echo, Steven A'Court said: "Careful consideration was given to the views of the district council in not supporting the establishment of a parish for Stanley.

"However, the petition was a valid one and, having considered all of the views and information provided to the minister in relation to the proposal, it was felt that there is no reason to doubt that the proposal reflected community identity and interests and would provide, if given the chance, effective and convenient local government."

Derwentside District Council leader Alex Watson described the decision as a "kick in the teeth for democracy".

He estimates the precept will cost the average council tax payer in Stanley an extra £11 a month to pay for the running of the new council.

Coun Watson said: "This is something that was totally unexpected. We supported the people not wanting a town council, and this is being forced on them in effect.

"Council tax is going to have to increase and, as an authority, we don't want to do that because people do not like paying council tax.

"We do not know what its responsibilities will be. There are a lot of questions that need answering."

North Durham MP Kevan Jones has supported the campaign and organised a public meeting to stimulate debate.

He said: "It is good news for Stanley, and this will give people a voice. I would urge the leadership of Derwentside District Council to engage people in the process.

"This is about making sure the concerns of the people of Stanley get raised."