RESIDENTS are likely to be asked to vote for their preferred method of local government by post.

In the latest stage of consultations on the future government of Middlesbrough, members of the council's cabinet will be asked to approve a postal ballot.

The option is favoured because of the practical problems in setting up polling stations and fears of a low turnout.

Councillors look likely to agree to issue 103,500 ballot papers to homes across the borough prior to the referendum, on October 18.

Along with residents of local authority areas throughout the country, those in Middlesbrough are being asked to choose from a council leader with a cabinet, a directly elected mayor with a cabinet or a directly elected mayor with a council manager.

Public presentations on the options have already been made, and consultations undertaken, but the results were not conclusive.

Middlesbrough Borough Council is following Government guidelines for such circumstances in holding a referendum.

People will be asked to vote yes or no to only one option - of a directly elected mayor with a cabinet, and if the majority agree, it will be implemented next May.

If most people vote no, the fall-back option of a leader and cabinet will be adopted.

A report to the cabinet states: "On balance, the advantages of an all-postal ballot in maximising turnout outweigh the administrative difficulties."