A YORK MP has handed a petition over to Parliament, which states the city's residents and businesses are "best served" by having an independent council.

The 'Back York' petition, which has over 3,200 local signatures, was handed in to the Government by York Central MP, Rachael Maskell on behalf of the cross party Back York group, which represents local Lib Dem, Labour, Green and Independent parties in the area.

The petition requests that the House of Commons urge the Government to listen closely to York’s residents and businesses, the City of York Council’s submission to its consultation on local government devolution and to work with all local politicians, including MPs, city councillors and parish and town councillors, on any decisions to do with York’s council.

Discussing the petition, Maskell said: "I would like to thank all residents who have signed the petition. Any decision to determine the future of the City of York, should be taken with the expressed consent of the people of York and surrounding districts.

"It is my firm belief, that the future of York’s economy is best served through the focus that the city provides, and that public services best meet local need when they are provided and are accountable locally.

"This petition is just one part of how residents in York have been raising their voice on this issue, and I intend to further pursue and highlight the disconnect between the Government and the people of York and North Yorkshire."

Commenting on the petition, Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, thanked everyone for their contribution - stating "decisions for York should be made in York".

The Government’s consultation on local government restructure closes tomorrow (April 19).