CAMPAIGNERS working towards a town council for Horsforth have won vital backing from Leeds.

The all-important vote of confidence came from the city council's strategic policies committee which heard that almost 50 per cent of people living in the town wanted their own elected body.

Early surveys failed to convince the council of adequate support for the plan. But a £5,000 postal voting exercise carried out in June proved that of 7,112 statements returned, 5,954 were in favour.

And this week, members of the strategic policies committee decided the number was high enough for them to recommend the plan to the Secretary of State, John Prescott.

Now organisers behind the bid say they are working even harder than before to keep the profile of the proposed council high by seeking candidates for the 22 places.

Professor Tom Nossiter, chairman of the Horsforth Town Council Campaign, said: "There is now a cast-iron case for Horsforth and it is obvious that people are very much in favour of it.

"Although it will take time, we still very much hope to be able to hold the elections at the same time as the city council's next May.

"Now we are drawing up a draft agenda in terms of keeping things bubbling to make sure there is a raft of candidates for the 22 places."

Prof Nossiter said there was keen interest in the formation of the council, with considerable numbers of residents registering their names as prospective councillors.

"A lot of people have said they want to be kept informed and are considering standing in elections," he said.

Members of the group are currently forming a committee structure for Horsforth and are aiming to learn from other town councils on the best way forward - including seeking advice from Otley.

A public meeting explaining what will be involved in the town council is to be held on November 11 at Horsforth Mechanics' Institute. Prof Nossiter said: "It's all systems go now, really."

Horsforth ward councillor Brian Cleasby said a town council could play an important role in fighting against unwanted development in Horsforth.

"People have always felt there was a need for a town council," said Councillor Cleasby (LibDem, Horsforth). "People are feeling the city is too remote and people in offices in Leeds are making decisions that don't affect them.

"Planning is a big area of control where a town council could have more influence. I'm really very excited about its prospects."

Coun Cleasby said another boost was Pudsey's plan for its own council. "That is an important consideration because it will allow us to work together for the best interests of this part of Leeds," he said.

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