RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has delivered a petition to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott demanding that the borough remains independent.
The area could be split under boundary changes planned because of the proposed North West Elected Regional Assembly.
He backed the more than 300 people who signed the petition, mainly from the Langho, Billington and Mellor area.
They are deeply concerned that the end result of any boundary changes will see them taken over by Blackburn with Darwen, when the rest of the borough may end up with Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.
In addition Mr Evans said he had had more than 200 others contact him by letter or telephone on the issue.
After presenting the petition to Mr Prescott's office the Tory MP said: "I am vehemently opposed to the fragmentation of the Ribble Valley. This division will negatively affect everything from local services to the choice of schools available to parents in the area.
"These ridiculous proposals shed light on the effect that regional assemblies will have on local communities. The best way to stop any fragmentation of the Ribble Valley is to ensure that these proposals do not see the light of day by voting 'no' at the referendum.
"The Ribble Valley is working well for all local people."
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