A SQUABBLE has broken out between Conservative MPs and Wiltshire County Councillors over plans to bring in a unitary authority.

North Wiltshire MP James Gray has said he is undecided, but colleagues Andrew Murrison, Michael Ancram and Robert Key have accused fellow party members controlling the county council of seeking greater glory for themselves.

If it is successful the bid will mean the end of district councils in Wiltshire.

Only one of the four, North Wiltshire, has backed the proposal, which will see one unitary authority being responsible for everything from rubbish collection to education.

A decision is due in July.

Those behind the application, currently being considered by the Government, say it could mean around £15 million in savings.

But Mr Ancram said he felt the current balance between districts, parishes and the county was about right. "I cannot see any argument for unitary counties other than the greater glory of those who run them and that is no good reason."

Dr Murrison, who represents West Wiltshire said a one size fits all approach would not work for Wiltshire, which was a large rural county.

Council leader Jane Scott was angered by the MPís statements and questioned why they had not contacted the authority before its bid went in.

She stressed: "This is a local decision to be made by councillors who understand the business and who have looked at the evidence."

They believed it would result in a much better and more efficient system.

Meanwhile the authorityís chief executive Keith Robinson has called for a fair and balanced debate.

On Tuesday he said: "It is not enough to say the present system is working. We need to reduce costs without reducing services and improve accountability to the public. One council would do just that. I have seen nothing to suggest there is a viable alternative.

"The government invited our proposal because we simply have to find more efficient and cost effective ways of working together. I would really welcome an open debate about the alternatives.

"We also have to realise that local government has to change in order to become more cost effective and efficient. Why have five organisations, five management teams, five back offices, five sets of councillors, five sets of property - if one can do the job?" he suggested.

His responses to criticisms from the district councils and MPs opposing the plan have been posted online to http://www.onecouncilforwiltshire.co.uk/