Let's have vote over shake-up

Well, what have we here? It looks like the greatest Lib Dem conspiracy yet - to try to get us ruled by a unitary county council, biggest but not best.

But there is an exception. If you are a politician of a "tax and spend" inclination unitary would be best for you.

To achieve this ugly ambition our Lib Dems are jumping into bed with a few renegade Conservatives, and trying to deny us our right to a referendum before unitary is imposed on us.

Just rely on a Citizens' Panel they say - on their hand-picked little helpers. They should take the "democrat" bit out of their name. Let's have a referendum.

All experience warns us that this unitary idea is based on the self-interest of its supporters and it would cost us dearly in higher tax and reduced representation.

Where we now have our local councillor we would have half a share in someone a long way off.

Certainly we can go for improvement in the present system, as called for by Liz Parsons in her elegant letter.

District councils could shed the silly job titles along with the silly jobs. Local matters could be transferred to town and parish level.

Would Wenlock Council have mucked up the Gaskell Arms roadworks as ludicrously as Shirehall?

At the bottom of the heap we electors would make our contribution by our vote.

Those unwilling to turn out should be named and shamed.

We would have some carrot and stick.

D Lake, Bridgnorth