MEMBERS of North Yorkshire County Council have voted to oppose Government plans for a directly elected regional assembly for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Tory council leader, Councillor John Weighell, welcomed the decision by a majority of yesterday's meeting of the full council.

He said: "Any discussion about regional government would be a costly distraction at a time when local authorities are trying to deliver improved public services."

Members also agreed that if there is a referendum on regional government, then a unitary county council to deliver all services currently provided at a county and district level should be one of the options put to the public.

The county council yesterday agreed to work with the district councils in North Yorkshire to develop other options to put forward during any boundary review.

However, earlier this week, Liberal Democrat councillors from across the county met and agreed to support and promote a "yes" vote for regional government. Tories agreed not to push for a single unitary county council.

Their group leader, Councillor Caroline Seymour, said: "A number of smaller unitaries would allow for more accountability and democracy. This will ensure that differences in urban and rural areas are voiced and democratically represented.

"It is necessary that progress is made and Tory administration accept that the present system is not efficient and has many failings."

An organisation was formed yesterday to campaign against the regional assembly proposals. It will be based in Barnsley and will encourage people across the region to vote "No".

"I really want this to be a people's campaign - everyone in Yorkshire should be very worried about what is being proposed," said chairman John Watson.

"It would increase costs for no realistic benefit and it would decrease our competitiveness as a region. It is an idea which must be stopped in its tracks."