Minister for Local and Regional Government Nick Raynsford has told Bradford people to "use your vote".

His message came as a high profile lead-up to the ballot which could lead to a Yorkshire and Humber assembly began.

It is hoped an assembly would improve democracy by bringing decision-making closer to the people and championing regional interests.

It would have responsibilities over a range of areas including jobs, housing and planning.

"It's a great day for Bradford and the rest of the region," said the minister, as the curtain was raised on the Government's information campaign on the elected regional assemblies.

By next October people will receive postal ballot forms to vote whether or not for Yorkshire's own "parliament", which could be set up as early as 2007.

Mr Raynsford, who was in York with his boss, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, said people must seize the chance of a change which could bring massive benefits to Bradford.

"It means an enormous amount to all the major cities like Bradford.

"An elected regional assembly could well be a major factor in tackling the big issues," he said.

"It won't take away the powers of local councils. They will be devolved from central government. It is misleading for councils to say their powers will be removed. Economic development is at the heart of the remit.

"Transport is vitally important to Bradford. A better integrated transport system would mean faster and better links with other parts of the country.

"Economic development which is dealt with by the Department of Trade and Industry would become the responsibility of a regional assembly," he added.

West Yorkshire's fire service was also likely to go to a Yorkshire and Humber Regional Assembly and Mr Raynsford said there would be "considerable efficiency savings".

But Bradford's Tory council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said the district would lose out through a costly regional organisation taking powers from Bradford and other councils, in a return to the days of county council bureaucracy.

She said: "Unless people take part in the ballot this will happen with a mandate from a very few people.

Labour Group leader Councillor Ian Greenwood backed an assembly and said: "I believe people in Yorkshire can take responsibility in a way nobody in Westminster can."

Mike Cartwright, policy executive of Bradford Cham-ber of Commerce, said: "As far as we are concerned the jury is still out about elected regional assemblies."

He said members had initially been sceptical about the issue but a full survey was now being done and the results would be announced in about two weeks' time.

An elected "parliament" for Yorkshire and the Humber would cost Bradford Band D Council Tax payers the equivalent of five pence per week to run.

The estimated cost of running the administration would be about £25 million, of which £5 million would be spent on staff, who would be mainly transferred from other public sector organisations.

The parliament, of 25 to 35 members elected by proportional representation, would be mainly funded by the Government.