VOTERS in Radcliffe are obviously interested in the future of local democracy.

More than 30 people braved the cold and wet on Tuesday evening (Feb 20) to attend a presentation in Radcliffe Civic Suite concerning the way they want to be ruled.

Residents have a chance to choose a directly elected mayor, as happened in London, or stick with the current system.

Councillors have until June to go for one of three options proposed under nationwide plans to modernise local government and at Tuesday's meeting Bury Council's chief executive Dennis Taylor explained the three systems.

Option one is a leader and cabinet model, option two would see a directly-elected mayor voted for by, and answerable to the public. He would reign for four years and choose the cabinet. The third option is for a directly-elected mayor and a council manager. The mayor would set policies, and the manager, appointed by the council, would carry them out.

At the Radcliffe roadshow, one of several to take place across the borough, local people were concerned about the cost of whatever system is eventually chosen.

Committee clerk, Mr David Hanson, said: "There was a lot of lively debate and the meeting went on for around one-and-a-half hours."

No consensus was reached on choosing one particular option but the local views will all be taken into account when it comes to making a final decision.