A 'CITY of Fylde' council, stretching from Garstang to Lytham, could provide many local services in the future, a local council claims.

Wyre Borough Council is planning to consult with the public over a possible 'merger' with Blackpool and Fylde.

Another possibility is that Fylde and Wyre councils will merge, but will remain separate from Blackpool.

A referendum could be held as soon as next year on proposals to create a North-West regional assembly. If voters give the assembly the go-ahead, it will mean a major shake-up of local government, with Lancashire County Council almost certainly doomed.

However, small district councils, such as Fylde and Wyre, are not considered large enough to incorporate all the services currently provided by the county, including education and social services.

This would prompt a series of mergers in a boundary review exercise to create a smaller number of larger local authorities.

It is not clear whether Blackpool, which is a unitary authority already running its own services, would be part of the review.

Wyre's officers will now approach their counterparts at Fylde about the possibility of both councils working together on a consultation exercise.

"Wyre and Fylde already work together on various joint projects," said Rodger Wightman, Wyre Council's head of paid service: "This would be another example."

In Wyre, the Labour party is bidding to regain control of the council after losing out in 1999. It is currently held by the Conservatives, while the Liberal Democrats also hope to increase their current total of two seats. Independent, Thomas Hudson, is fighting Preesall.

In Fylde, a closely fought election is expected with Conservatives, Ratepayers, Independents, Labour and Liberal Democrat groups all bidding to increase their share of the vote on the hung council.