'SOVIET' persuasion tactics have been used by the 'Yes' campaign in the Welsh Assembly referendum vote its opponents claimed at the Gwent launch of the True Wales 'No' campaign.

As the battle for votes on the extension of powers for the Assembly on March 3 heats up, True Wales which is the main thrust of the 'No' campaign said it would not be seeking public money to aid its cause.

Director Rachel Banner said the combined forces of the political class in Cardiff and sections of the church and media had made it a 'one sided fight'.

"This is reminiscent of the Soviet era.

"We have therefore told the Electoral Commission that we will fight on without taxpayers' money.

"Enough has already been spent by politicians anxious to extend their own power."

A three-pronged attack of the Assembly's record delivered at Newbridge Rugby Club to a large audience concentrated on the economy, education and health.

On the economy Miss Banner who is a teacher in Gwent said "Despite huge funding the prosperity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK has got worse in the devolution decade.

"In education the latest league tables put us behind the Czech Republic in reading and Latvia in maths.

"And on health it cannot be right that after a decade we must accept stroke, cancer, ambulance response and A and E waiting times that are worse than those in England."

Miss Banner said True Wale's decision to refuse public money meant that much of the 'No' campaign would be leafleting with the next publicity push being rolled out in North Wales.

"The Assembly introduced law-making powers without asking the people of Wales.

"Why should we trust it now?

"We are getting donations and have been getting a very good reception on the street.

"We are definitely punching above our weight."

The Yes for Wales campaign was launched earlier in the month.