DARLINGTON'S mayoral referendum process has begun and people are being asked for their views.

The vote to decide whether the town will have an elected mayor will take place on Thursday, September 27.

There are two options on offer, the first of which is an elected mayor who would serve a fouryear term, supported by a cabinet of nine councillors.

The second option is an elected mayor, also serving a four-year term and supported by an unelected council manager.

Once feedback has been received from local people, Darlington Borough Council will decide which option to propose in the referendum.

In option one, the elected mayor would choose a cabinet from the 53 ward councillors.

The mayor would lead the council, decide overall strategy, and be able to take decisions alone, or with the cabinet.

Under the arrangement, the council would make decisions on budget and broad policies, but could only make changes by referring back to the mayor and cabinet. Even then, a two-thirds majority of councillors would be required.

In option two, there would be no cabinet because the council manager would take and implement decisions.

The elected mayor would prepare the overall strategy, and recommend policy to the council.

The council manager would recommend the budget to the council.

Again, the council could only change the budget and policy framework by referring back to the mayor and the cabinet, and securing a two-thirds majority.

Residents can give their opinions in a number of ways.

Leaflets, with a feedback postcard, are available at council buildings across Darlington.

The postcard is also at www.darlington.gov.uk/mayoralreferendum, and responses can be sent to kelly.shovelin@ darlington.gov.uk Opinions must be registered by Friday, June 15. An information session is being held at Bondgate Methodist Church Community Centre on Thursday, June 7, at 6.30pm.

The mayoral referendum was triggered after campaigners collected 4,700 signatures.

There are 13 directly-elected mayors in England, including in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and North Tyneside.

Across the country, there have been 34 referendums on the idea.

Twelve areas voted yes, with Sunderland, Sedgefield, and Durham among those that said no.

London's mayor was a result of an act of Parliament, rather than a referendum.