DURHAM City Council leader Sue Pitts said she was disappointed that a Greater Durham option did not appear among the Boundary Commission recommendations.
The new ruling Liberal-Democrat regime drew up the Greater Durham option, which would have extended the city council's boundaries, taking in part of Chester-le-Street and Sedgefield. Coun Pitts said: "In our view it is the best solution to the new interior face of the county and the city.
"We feel that it is particularly important that the historic name of Durham City is preserved and we believe that the Greater Durham option also provides a wonderful opportunity to secure the long term future of the district."
Chester-le-Street District council expressed its surprise and disappointment after the proposal for a link with Durham City Council was rejected.
A district council spokesman said: "We remain convinced that it is crucially important to maintain and enhance our connections along the north-south corridor. At the same time any council must be of a size to remain in touch with the people it serves."
The council said it welcomed the further consultation.
John Shuttleworth, an independent member on Durham County Council, said: "I told the commission that the county council now provides 86pc of the services and should be capable of looking after the other 14pc."
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