DROITWICH Spa's MP has launched a major consultation exercise, asking voters if they want a referendum on setting up a Birmingham-based regional assembly.

The Government is seeking views about an assembly by the beginning of March and Tory MP Peter Luff is asking for responses by Friday, February 21.

The local MP has written to parish councils, district and county councillors, local business people and others, to discover what they think about an assembly.

And an edited version of the letter is posted on his website - www.peterluff.co.uk.

Assembly

The MP believes Worcestershire, including Droitwich, would not be well served by transferring any functions from the local authorities to a Birmingham-based assembly.

Mr Luff said assemblies only have a small membership and the number of people representing county interest would be a 'tiny fraction'.

He told the Advertiser: "Regional government could be the single most dramatic change affecting the future of our county and its public services in our lifetimes.

"I hope people share my deep suspicion about the proposals and will oppose the holding of a referendum - but I am genuinely anxious to know what they feel and to represent their views accurately to the Government."

Responses or any other views can be posted to: Peter Luff MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.