THE North West Regional Assembly has renewed claims that Lancashire County Council was wrong to say it was campaigning illegally.

Earlier this month the council pulled out of the partnership as leader Hazel Harding said it had been deliberately campaigning in favour of the referendum on elected regional government and for a 'yes' vote in that referendum.

She said the county council had sought legal advice on the issue and had been told it breached the code of conduct for councils because it meant public money was being used to influence opinion on policy.

But Roger Henderson QC has advised the NWRA that the county council was wrong and has rejected suggestions that the NWRA has acted unlawfully.

He also says that Lancashire County Council is not entitled to the return of any subscriptions for 2002/03 and can not withhold payment for 2003/04.

An NWRA spokesman said: "The NWRA hope that in the interests of the region as a whole Lancashire County Council will see fit to re-visit its cabinet's decision."

Coun Harding said: "It is clear that the NWRA has been actively campaigning and that it would be unlawful for the county council to allow its funds to be used in that way."