THE Boundary Committee has re-launched its review of Lancashire County Council wards, despite the fact that the authority could be scrapped in the autumn.

Today critics blasted the move as a waste of time and money.

The Committee started a review of constituencies in July 2002 to try and make sure local councillors all looked after wards which were the same size. But the study was halted so a second review could be carried out relating to a proposed regional assembly.

As a result of that second review, if voters opt for a regional assembly in a referendum later this year, Lancashire County Council will be scrapped and the two-tier council system replaced with unitary authorities.

But civic leaders have attacked the move to reopen the first review before the referendum. They said the review would be pointless if voters chose a regional assembly - which would mean an end to the two-tier system anyway.

Peter Britcliffe, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: "It's a nonsense. I'm quite sure there will be a no vote in the referendum but they should have waited for the result."

Alan Davies, leader of Pendle Borough Council added: "It's a waste of money and I think they ought to be waiting until the referendum is over because it will clearly be an expensive process."

The move is designed to ensure all residents in the county council area are represented as equally as possible.

Electoral Commission research shows that in Chorley rural north, a councillor represents 77 per cent more electors than the county average, while a councillor for Accrington central in Hyndburn represents 40 per cent fewer.

But Rossendale's Hazel Harding, leader of Lancashire County Council, defended the Boundary Committee. She said the review needed to be done in time for elections. "There is a need for this because if there is a 'no' vote at the referendum we will have an election next year," she said.