County signals plans to become unitary authority

The district includes the towns of Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives

A council has announced plans to develop a business case to become a standalone unitary authority.

Following local government reorganisation all two-tier council areas have been asked by Westminster to create single-tier unitary councils.

Huntingdonshire District Council said it wants to set up its own, after initial plans put forward by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council recommended the county joined with neighbouring authorities.

A formal decision is anticipated after a Huntingdonshire District Council meeting in November.

The government will make a final decision on how the authorities will be formed.

St Neots is the largest town in the district and is growing due to large developments

Huntingdonshire is a historic county and used to have its own county council, but was merged with Peterborough in the 1960s.

During changes to the running of local government in the 1990s, the area was combined with the rest of Cambridgeshire.

Huntingdonshire is proud of its history and has its own flag.

Huntingdonshire Day is celebrated on 25 April - the date of Oliver Cromwell's birth, which was arguably one of the county's most famous politicians.

The district includes the towns of St Neots, St Ives, Huntingdon and Ramsey.

Huntingdonshire already has a history of being its own county

"Huntingdonshire has a proud identity, a strong heritage and an increasingly important role in the nation's future," said Sarah Conboy, the executive leader of Huntingdonshire District Council.

"With emerging opportunities in defence and innovation, significant housing and job growth in Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots and Ramsey, along with our strategic location within the Ox–Cam Growth corridor, it is vital that government has the fullest range of options before deciding on local government reorganisation.

"This is not about local campaigning or popularity. Our role is to provide a clear, robust and data-led case that demonstrates long-term viability and benefits for the region," she said.