Just five percent of Bermuda residents want Government to take over the corporations of Hamilton and St. George's, according to a new survey.

Fifty-two percent said they were against such a move — with the rest undecided or not caring — in the Research.bm poll commissioned by City Hall campaigners.

Mayor Charles Gosling and his team received a resounding thumbs up, with people extremely critical of Government paying overseas consultants $800,000 to review the corporations instead of directing that cash to seniors, education and Police officers.

The poll results were released by SaveOurCityBermuda.org, which has been urging citizens to get involved to stop Government closing down Hamilton's municipality.

Cabinet Minister Walter Roban, who was responsible for the reform, has denied that Government intends to close the two municipalities.

But Mr. Gosling has shared a letter with The Royal Gazette, signed by Mr. Roban, which states in part: "The Government is committed to the repeal of the Municipalities Act 1923."

A breakdown of results shows support for the corporations from all sections of the community, particularly from the older generation and whites.

When asked whether Government should take over the corporations, just over a quarter — 28 percent — said they were not informed enough to answer. Along with the 52 percent against and five percent in favour, 14 percent said they didn't care as long as the job gets done, and one percent didn't know what their opinion was.

Among 18- to 34-year-olds, 41 percent were against the move, with the figure rising to 70 percent among 55- to 64-year-olds and 67 percent for those aged 65 and above.

Forty-five percent of blacks oppose the takeover, compared to 69 percent of whites; 55 percent of women opposed, compared to 48 percent of men.

Those in favour of a takeover represented less than ten percent for every category: blacks, whites, men, women, and all age groups.

Asked whether they thought Mr. Gosling and his new Corporation leadership is doing a good job, 65 percent said yes, four percent said no, and 31 percent didn't know.

Eighty-eight percent said they support the continuation of local city elections, with four percent saying no and eight percent saying they don't know.

Eighty-three percent said they were concerned about Government spending, with nine percent not concerned.

And eighty percent said the $800,000 spent reviewing the corporations should go to seniors, education and Police officers; seven percent didn't think so.