An exclusive poll from The Journal has shown the north-east’s lack of interest in changes to local politics.

Most people questioned in a poll commissioned by the paper do not know that a vote is to be held on whether to set up a regional assembly.

The poll results show the scale of the task facing both the “yes” and “no” campaigns to engage the public in the debate over regional government.

Some 62 per cent of people are not aware the referendum is taking place, and 58 per cent said they were either ‘not very interested’ or ‘not at all interested’ in the subject.

The first major test of public opinion in the region since the referendum was announced represents a setback for Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who recently launched a major public information campaign, with tens of thousands of leaflets having been distributed by his department.

In addition, the Boundary Committee sent leaflets to every home in Northumberland and County Durham to consult on the local government shake-up that would follow an assembly yes vote.

The survey also revealed that once they were aware that the referendum was taking place, 70 per cent of people said they would vote.

A breakdown of the figures showed there was also a much higher awareness of, and interest in, the regional government issue among men, older people and the more affluent.

Asked whether they knew the referendum was taking place, 49 per cent of men said yes while 74 per cent of women said no, compared to overall figures for the population of 38 per cent yes and 62 per cent no.

The survey also showed a large differential according to age group with just 15 per cent of 18-24 year-olds aware of the referendum compared to 53 per cent of over-55s.

Interviews were conducted by Woodholmes KSA between February 2 and 9. The sample of 442 adults interviewed by telephone is representative of the north east electorate.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]