Seven local authorities have banded together to denounce NHS plans to reduce the number of primary care trusts in the region.

If controversial proposals go ahead four large subregional primary care trusts would replace 15 PCTs in the North-East.

The latest broadside - by all seven district councils in County Durham - follows earlier criticism by local authorities on Teesside.

In a letter from Councillor Bob Fleming, on behalf of all seven district councils in County Durham, the leader of Sedgefield Borough Council, writes that the proposed mass-merger of North-East PCTs, are a "retrograde" step and threaten to weaken the close links of the existing PCTs to the communities they serve and lead to a reducing influence of local people.

But the latest criticism of the merger plans may have come to late.

Officials at County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority yesterday confirmed that proposals to set up four larger PCTS in the region had been lodged with the Department of Health.

Despite concerns that the changes are being pushed through against local opposition, Health Secretary Mrs Patricia Hewitt told MPs last week that where PCTs were working well there was no reason change local arrangements.

Coun Fleming believes there are reasons to think again.

"Having demonstrated a proven track record in just three years, we feel the current structure should be allowed the time to build on this progress to tackle the significant health problems that remain in Durham," his letter states.

The Sedgefield council leader also questions whether most GPs are willing to shoulder the task of commissioning health services.

Councillor Ray Waller, cabinet member for public health for Hartlepool Borough Council, said he "felt strongly" that the council and PCT boundaries should remain the same.

For Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Councillor Valerie Halton, cabinet member for health, said the merger plan was "a fait accompli" and the council would be concentrating its efforts on ensuring that local interests were represented on the new, all-Tees PCT.

David Flory, chief executive of the County Durham and Tees Valley SHA and Northumberland, Tyne and Wear SHA, said the the proposed mergers were the "best fit" to meet the criteria laid down by central government.

The mergers are aimed at reducing bureacracy and transferring millions of pounds to front-line health services.