DISTRICT councils in County Durham have joined forces to launch a campaign to "keep local government local".

The Local Choice - Local Voice campaign is being led by Derwentside, Easington, Sedgefield borough, Teesdale and Wear Valley district councils.

All say that having three separate unitary or "all purpose" authorities is the way forward for local government in County Durham, should the public vote for a Regional Assembly.

Councillor Alan Napier, leader of Easington council, said: "The reorganisation of local government presents a perfect opportunity to achieve genuinely new councils that can be structured to best meet the needs of local communities and deliver quality services.''

The five councils feel that the three unitary authorities should merge Derwentside and Chester-le-Street district councils in North Durham, Easington and Durham for east Durham, and Sedgefield, Teesdale and Wear Valley for South Durham. Each authority feels this would be better than just one council for the whole of County Durham.

Coun Napier said: "The districts have put the greater good of all communities ahead of their own interests and self-preservation.''

If the shake-up goes ahead, it would see Durham County Council and seven district councils abolished. If the region votes against the shake-up, the structure will stay the same.

The Boundary Committee for England carried out a review of local government, which was presented in draft form to the Government in December last year. Its consultation lasts until February 23, when all views received will be taken into account.

Voters are asked to express their views by writing to the Boundary Committee at Local Government review Team (County Durham Review) Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street London, SW1P 2HW.