Villagers debate on EU referendum

Up to 7,000 people in the village are eligible to vote

A village in West Yorkshire is joining the debate on the EU Reform Treaty by holding its own poll on the issue.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has refused a referendum on the new treaty, saying it is up to Parliament to decide.

Up to 7,000 villagers in Crigglestone were given a chance to have their say on whether a national referendum should take place in a vote on Thursday.

The poll is being led by Wakefield-based Conservative parliamentary candidate Alex Story.

Mr Story successfully led calls for the poll under the Local Government Act, which allows parishes to vote on anything they wish. The results will then be sent to the government.

Cover costs

He has pledged to cover the full costs of the vote, which are expected to be up to £6,000.

"We are absolutely covering the costs. There is no doubt that this will not affect local taxpayers," he said. John Peebles, parish council vice chairman, said he was behind the call for a vote.

He said: "I hope villagers turn out and express their opinion on such an important matter."

A Wakefield Council spokeswoman said the council was overseeing the vote.

Wakefield Labour MP Mary Creagh has declined to comment on the local poll.