CAMPAIGNERS for a north west assembly have hit out at a decision to delay a referendum on the issue.

Supporters of an elected regional body want voters to be given their say as soon as possible, after a poll planned for November 4 was cancelled.

The postponement will allow the ministers to consider the results of an Electoral Commission report into possible discrepancies in the postal ballot system.

Advocates of regional Government include former Bury Council leader Derek Boden, who is leader of the current non-elected north west assembly.

He said a decision not to expand Manchester's Metrolink system, in favour of rail improvements for London, highlights the need for devolved powers.

Coun Boden, who represents Besses ward, called for assurances that a vote would take place in the near future. He said: "It seems that yet again north west citizens are being told what is good for them rather than being asked.

"Last week, important decisions were announced in London which have denied us the investment we need to make our conurbations more competitive and sustainable.

"These are exactly the kind of issues on which we in this region should be able to have our say

"I am looking forward to the day when we all have the chance to choose whether we want a greater say in the way our region is run and I will be doing my best to ensure that day comes sooner rather than later."

Chairman of the "Yes" campaign for the north west, Felicity Goodey, said: "The people of our region have had enough of poorly-informed decisions being made by faceless civil servants in the south.

"The decision over Manchester's Metrolink, short-changed in favour of a £10 billion rail scheme for London, is a shining example.

"Now more than ever we need the north west to pull together to fight its corner for an equal share for us."

However, North West Euro MP Chris Davies welcomed the delay, arguing that the current proposals did not go far enough.

Mr Davies, a Liberal Democrat, said: "The government proposals were neither use nor ornament. They suggested the creation of a shambolic regional democracy while all the real strings of power would still have been pulled by Whitehall.

"Tony Blair needs to think again and come back with something which will allow us to meet the real needs of our huge region."

The commission report, to examine concerns about local and European elections in June, is expected to be published by the end of August.

A referendum in Yorkshire and Humber has also been postponed, but in the north east voters will still be asked to make their decision in autumn.