A COUNCIL leader today launched a grand tour of parish and community groups in a bid to take local government back to the people.

New Ribble Valley Council leader, John Hill, has launched a battle bus.

And the Tory councillor has vowed to be a champion of the people after taking over the reins from Coun Chris Holtom last month.

Coun Holtom stood down after five years as leader to concentrate on other council and community work.

Father-of-three Coun Hill, 52, lives in Simonstone. He has been a local government legal officer for 33 years and a borough councillor for five.

He said: "These are difficult times for local government, not least due to Government proposals for a North West Regional Assembly, which could sound the death knell for councils such as Ribble Valley.

"I intend to champion the cause of local people by going out to parish councils and any organisation that wishes to join me in constructive dialogue, with a view to preserving our quality of life, values and heritage, free of discrimination and prejudice."

The idea for the tour was sparked by the council's Community Strategy, which aims to provide the same quality of service and that all parts of Ribble Valley feel an equal sense of belonging.

Ribble Valley, covering 226 square miles and with a population of 54,000, is one of the largest geographical districts in the country, with one of the smallest populations.