A SURVEY has been launched on whether to create a town council for Darwen.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has launched the survey on its website and in its newsletter in a bid to establish the true feelings of Darweners about the issue.

And if the views come back in favour, then the evidence will be presented to the Government.

The creation of a town council is a key aim of out We're Backing Darwen Campaign which we launched last week to help revitalise the town.

We believe a town council would allow people to have a bigger say on by-laws and planning issues through locally elected councillors and also act as a major forum and lobbying organisation.

New legislation allows the principal authority - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - to decide on whether to establish a town council without any need for approval from the Secretary of State, provided it can show that it has consulted the people of Darwen.

And council bosses believe the surgery will prove to be adequate consultation - providing they receive enough responses.

The survey appears in this month's edition of council newsletter, The Shuttle, and on the council's website as part of the Your chance to have your say' section.

As well as a town council, the council also asks for residents' views on a neighbourhood forum.

The following questions are asked: Do you want a neighbourhood forum in your area?

Would you go to neighbourhood forum meetings?

Do you want a parish or town council in your area?

Would you be prepared to pay a precept, additional council tax, to have a parish or town council in your area?

Would you vote for local people as parish or town councillors?

Graham Burgess, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We are seeking the views of the public.

"People can vote through the Shuttle and the website, and the council will act on the outcome.

"It's not a matter for me as chief executive to decide. I would remain neutral and carry out the wishes of the council."

The survey will close at the end of November, when it will then be reviewed by a council commitee.

Darweners are still urged to sign our petition supporting the creation of a town council at www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk to show their support.