COUNCIL chiefs have confirmed the town has 'no desire' to be part of plans for an elected mayor in the region.

As part of the Government's Northern Powerhouse vision Chancellor George Osborne has been backing devolution for areas in the north.

But his plans, which include having directly elected mayors in the region, have been criticised by council leader Terry O'Neill, who fears such a move could hold back the town.

He also believes Warrington is only being offered greater devolution provided it is on the 'Government's terms'.

"I don't think an elected mayor suits the Cheshire and Warrington sub-region," he said.

"There are only three strong unitary authorities in that area – we are not like some of the other combined authorities where you have a couple of counties or a number of districts.

"We have a cohesive unit in Cheshire and Warrington and I don't think an elected mayor suits that model.

"I have argued that we do not need that model in Cheshire and Warrington – I would prefer a subsidiary approach."

Despite urging the Government to give the town greater control, Cllr O'Neill (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick) admits he currently has his doubts on the situation due to a lack of information.

"I want the Government to let each authority deliver that regeneration and collectively grown the economy in the Cheshire sub-region," he added.

"But again there is no detail from the Government, we want to know more and until we do it is hard to say."

Cllr Russ Bowden (LAB – Birchwood), who is charge of the council's budget, believes the introduction of an elected mayor for the region would financially, and needlessly, affect residents.

"There is no desire in Warrington for an elected mayor in the region," he said.

"It would be a complete waste of public money and add nothing in terms of governance or accountability.

"It would simply add another layer of bureaucracy, put more of a cost burden on financially stretched authorities and achieve little in terms of public engagement with the political process."