MORE than 6,300 Poole residents have made their feelings known about government funding.

They have signed up to the council's campaign calling for a fair deal for the fourth worst-funded unitary authority in the country.

The petition was handed in at 10 Downing Street by the council and group leaders and, thanking residents for their support of the cross-party campaign, council leader Cllr Brian Leverett said: "It highlights the strength of support among residents for the council's campaign."

In an accompanying letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair, they call for the minister to take personal representations from the council during consultation on Michael Lyons' report on local government funding.

The Borough of Poole receives £169 per person to fund basic services, less than half the unitary authority average of £347 - a £30m shortfall.

Deputy Conservative group leader Cllr Ms Elaine Atkinson helped deliver the petition and group leader Cllr Ann Stribley said they accepted there were differing needs across the country.

"What is grossly unfair is that year on year Poole and similar authorities receive well below average funding.

Cllr Mike Brooke, Liberal Democrat group leader, who also went to London, said they needed to raise their game for the next stage of the campaign.

"Arrangements are in hand to ensure the best possible case is put to government before it adjusts the funding formula for the next round of settlements in 2008/9."