HOME rule for the North West has moved a step nearer reality.

The North West Regional Assembly has been designated a regional chamber by the Government and boldly approaches the next Millennium.

Leading it in to 2000 is Assembly chairman and Wigan Council Leader Cllr Peter Smith.

He said: "As the first region to seriously consider the regional agenda for change, the North West must take a lead in delivering the impact of that change.

"Big ideas and shared values represent our way forward.

"We have an extremely successful track record in regional partnership working and delivery.

"Shared values on sustainable economic development, social inclusion and quality of life are at the heart of the North West agenda and will be strongly reflected in the regional strategy for the North West and new regional planning guidance."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.