PROTESTERS have been urged to complain to the Deputy Prime Minister over plans which could see Hyndburn Council swallowed by Blackburn, and Darwen 'disappear'.

The Government's Boundary Committee prompted outrage when it unveiled its options for reorganisation of local councils if people vote for a North West Regional Assembly.

But the committee chairman today said people had until July to protest to John Prescott.

One option would see a new Lancashire Council, but the second would see Ribble Valley merge with Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and Hyndburn merge with Blackburn with Darwen to form a new authority called Blackburn with Hyndburn.

Darwen residents want the name kept in the council title, while councillors in Accrington say they don't want to be eaten up by Blackburn.

And Blackburn with Darwen Council is likely to protest about a decision not to let people already within unitaries vote on the local government shake-up.

Boundary Committee chairman Pamela Gordon said: "We have made recommendations which we think are the best options for East Lancashire. On July 6 Mr Prescott will decide to make any modifications before confirming the options people will vote on.."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope branded the options "witless proposals", adding: "I shall write to the Deputy Prime Minister asking for a re-think with at least an East Lancashire-wide authority as an option."

Darwen and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson said: "I am certain the people of Darwen will be totally furious if its name is removed from the title of the local authority, as am I."