More people are opposed to any Government move to abolish the corporations than gaming, according to a recent poll.

A Mindmaps survey of more than 400 residents, showed 72 percent were against Government gaining control of the Corporation of Hamilton — while 54 percent were against gaming.

Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling said: "As you can see the opposition to the takeover is 18 percent higher than public opposition to gaming, based on public polling conducted on that issue."

"There have been four polls conducted on this issue within the past nine months and as you can see public opposition to this takeover has almost doubled in that time.

"From 41 percent late last year to 72 percent today, that type of rapid growth of opposition to an issue is very unique and shows that people increasingly want Government to focus on more important issues."

Earlier this year The Corporations of Hamilton and St. Georges learnt they could be reduced to a ceremonial body if legislation gets tabled in the House of Assembly.

And tonight the matter may be brought before the Progressive Labour Party caucus for MPs to decide if it can go before the house on Friday.

If so, the municipalities system could be removed all together and may be replaced with an appointed board without representation for taxpayers, residents and businesses in the city.

The poll conducted between June 29 and July 4 showed that 98 percent of residents wanted Government to focus on crime, education and health care.

While only one out of 100 Bermudians felt that attention should be on the abolishment of the Corporation of Hamilton.

In addition nine out of ten people wanted to see the Corporation and Government work together to resolve the issue.

Mr. Gosling said: "What the poll shows is an overwhelming, undeniable and widespread opposition to the Government takeover of the Corporation of Hamilton.

"The opposition is deep and cuts across all segments of the population, for example only one out of four black respondents support the Government's plan. As you can see opposition runs deep within every age group.

"Overall fewer than one in five Bermudians support Governments plan while nearly three out of four Bermudians actually oppose it," he said.

In addition to the poll, 3,000 people have already signed a petition to save the city — and the Corporation's formal drive for more signatures will start today.

Petition stations will be set up across Hamilton, as the Mayor and his team try to find more people in support of the cause.

Petitions will be offered at various locations including Bull's Head car park, the Ferry Terminal, MarketPlace, People's Pharmacy, Supermart, Gosling's on Front Street and Par-la-Ville Park.

They will also be available at the corner of Burnaby and Reid Streets, in Chopsticks, Rock Island Coffee, Trends, the Visitor Information Centre, Sports Locker and the City Hall.

In addition to patrolling certain spots at 7.30 a.m. members of the Corporation will walk around between 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to spur support.

People can also sign the petition online or get more information at www.saveourcitybermuda .org.