YORKSHIRE people have a chance to "vote" on the first stage of a possible regional government, before March 3.

The Government has asked us to gather views from businesses, residents and other organisations. They want to know if there are strong feelings about having a directly elected government for the region, a kind of "Yorkshire and Humber parliament".

They are gauging whether there is enough interest to make it worthwhile holding a referendum on this subject.

We are holding a number of information seminars, focus groups and presentations on the subject - please call or email us for more information.

We've also set up a website - www.yhreferendum.info - for people to find out more, feed in their views and have a chance to "vote'' in an on-line ballot.

Alternatively, people can write to us directly at the address below to give us their opinion on whether they want a referendum in the region.

This is an important debate which will affect us all. I hope Yorkshire peotake the time to get involved.

Peter Box,

Chair, Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, 18 King Street,

Wakefield, West Yorkshire,

WF1 2SQ.

Updated: 10:30 Tuesday, February 18, 2003