A CAMPAIGN to make sure Darwen does not fall off the municipal map has been launched by councillors.

Darreners were fuming when the Boundary Committee said a new council made up of Blackburn and Darwen and Hyndburn authorities would be called Blackburn with Hyndburn Borough Council.

The committee's recommendations replacing the two-tier system of local government if voters opt for a regional assembly has angered many people.

But Sir Bill Taylor, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, has already written to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister asking for an assurance that the naming of any new council will be left to local politicians.

The revelation comes a day after protesters who feared for the future of Darwen were urged by the Boundary Committee to write to John Prescott with their concerns.

Coun Taylor said: "If we were to have a north west regional assembly we would want it called Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn. It was not part of the Boundary Committee's remit to come up with names for the new authorities and I have made that clear to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister."

The matter was raised during Prime Minister's questions yesterday when Mr Blair said: "Any representations made will be considered. No decisions have yet been made."

All East Lancashire voters, except those in the Blackburn and Darwen, which already has a unitary council, will be asked to choose one of the Boundary Committee's options for the future of local government.

Darwen councillors, including Karimeh Foster and Derek Brindle, are also trying to ensure that their home town does not get left behind.

Coun Foster said: "Darwen people feel that all the options should be looked at. It could be that the name of Blackburn disappears."s