BOLTON voters will be asked to decide in a huge survey between an American-style elected mayor and the present system of running the council.

The ruling Labour group introduced a 'cabinet' system in May with the council run by an executive of leading councillors.

Now they are gearing up to launch a major feedback exercise to choose whether to permanently adopt the group of super-councillors or follow London's lead with an even more powerful elected mayor.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, who is overseeing the consultation, described the decision as "probably the most important issue we have ever put before the public of Bolton."

If the results early next year suggest the public favour a US-type mayor, a dramatic referendum on the issue would automatically be triggered.

A referendum could also be forced if five per cent of electors, a figure believed to be about 10,000, demand one. But many supporters of an elected mayor believe the consultation process is their best chance.

Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly has spoken in support of this high-profile option which she said would help "revitalise" the town.

But it is understood that the vast majority of councillors oppose a system which they believe would concentrate too much power in one person.

While the existing mayor is a civic figurehead whose duties are almost entirely ceremonial, an elected mayor would be a set policy and command an £80,000-plus annual salary.

The council is stressing that its sounding-out -- which aims to attract views from as many electors, businesses and groups as possible -- will not take the form of a simple poll.

Details of how it will be carried out are still being finalised but it is expected an independent agency will be brought in for part of the exercise to help ensure fairness.

The BEN and council publications will also be used, with tear-out strips inviting readers' views.

The council, which has to take a neutral stance, is working to a tight timescale laid down by the Government. Consultation is expected to start in January or February and the town hall bosses must be ready to deliver their findings by next June.

Cllr Kilcoyne said: "This is probably the most important issue we have ever put before the public of Bolton and I would urge as many people as possible to take part.

"Local government has run on very much the same lines as were laid down a century or more ago but it needs to move forward.

"The council will be taking a neutral stance as we do not want people to think they are merely being consulted about a decision that has already been taken."

He insisted the introduction of the executive system had been only on an experimental basis.

"That is only a 12-month trial and everything is being closely monitored as part of the process to see how things work out," said Cllr Kilcoyne.

"The council felt it was better that we had some experience of the modernisation process rather than plunging in at the last minute as it was about to become law."