PROPOSALS to create a new council for the people of Bury and Rossendale -- called Bury with Rossendale Council -- were unveiled by Bury Metro Council today.

The proposed new name for the new local authority was revealed as Bury Metro Council dispatched its formal submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission.

Voters across the North West are being asked next October to vote on a regional assembly with existing county councils like Lancashire and district councils such as Rossendale likely to disappear if voters agree to the assembly plan.

Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Borough Council each provides different services to people in the Rossendale Valley but the Government is likely to insist on all purpose, unitary authorities -- like Bury Metro Council -- across the North West if voters give the assembly the green light.

As part of the review the Local Government Boundary Commission is asking all councils for their views.

But Rossendale Council chiefs said their affinity lies with Lancashire rather than Greater Manchester and they would prefer to merge with Burnley and Pendle.

In Bury's formal submission, unveiled today, the council said their proposals need strong leadership, excellent democratic processes, good and improving performance and quality engagement with citizens.

The report sets out key benefits for the people of Rossendale for such a merger, such as:

Council tax savings

A better education system

Public transport benefits through the Greater Manchester Passenger and Transport Executive

Potential Metrolink availability

Leader of the Council, Councillor John Byrne, said: "Our submission sets out the reasons why we believe a merger between Rossendale and Bury would be the best single-tier proposal for this area, in the event of there being an elected assembly for the North West.

"It is being extended to the people of Rossendale in the spirit of friendship, cooperation and historical links which have long-existed between the two areas.

"Bury Metropolitan Borough Council is a highly experienced and rapidly improving, all-purpose unitary authority which is already providing excellent standards of service in areas which the people of Rossendale have told us they most care about - whether it is our value-for-money council tax levels or the quality in the borough's schools.

"We are willing to extend those benefits to the people of Rossendale if they want to join us.

"All three political parties on the council support the proposal and members and officers alike are enthusiastic about the opportunities the proposal brings for excellence in delivering services and local democracy."

The Boundary Committee will now study Bury's submission alongside others in the region and voters are expected to get two options for new local government arrangements when they go to the assembly polls next October.