NEWENT Town Council is backing plans for a public referendum on proposals for an elected regional assembly for the South West.

Newent, together with parish councils in Gorsley and Kilcot and Oxenhall, has registered official interest in the idea, following a test survey of residents and authorities by Forest of Dean District Council.

A total of 978 residents were contacted through questionnaire as part of the consultation process, leading to 447 responses.

A majority of 56.5 per cent were in favour of a referendum on the issue.

But 35.7 per cent were either uninterested, or very uninterested, with a further 7.8 per cent either not replying on this point or indicating uncertainty.

The preliminary results of a supporting telephone survey were expected to be discussed at a district council meeting of the elected regional assembly working group yesterday (Thursday).