Questions have been raised about the interpretation of the findings of a MORI poll on local government in Cornwall.

In a survey commissioned by Cornwall county council, which favours unitary status for Cornwall. Around 1,000 residents of the county were asked for their views on the current system of local government.

Speaking on behalf of all six of Cornwall's district councils, Councillor Fred Greenslade, leader of Carrick District Council, said: "The survey results are by no means a ringing endorsement for a unitary council.

"One third of those polled didn't support a unitary council. Two thirds said they would support it only if it would deliver long term savings.

"Of course, with all surveys the answers you get depend on the questions you ask. I feel certain that if those polled had been told that the estimated set up costs for a unitary council for Cornwall are £20 million their answers would have been quite different.

"I am also extremely concerned that only 1,000 of Cornwall's 500,000 residents have been asked for their views on something that everyone will have to foot the bill for.

"Everyone who has to pay should have a say, and they should be presented with the full facts so that they can make an informed decision."