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The unbalanced approach of Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury and Atcham councils towards the postal ballots concerning a unitary authority seems to be causing considerable concern.

This should not, however, deter local residents from taking advantage of these, all too rare, attempts at public consultation.

My position has always been clear. While MP for Ludlow constituency, I regularly pushed the ministers to consider a unitary case for Shropshire. Far from being thrust upon us suddenly, a unitary council has been the subject of discussions, leaflets and surveys for many years.

Until May 2005, all four MPs whose constituencies cover part of the county council area, representing all three parties, supported a unitary authority.

There is a clear case - improved services, lower council tax rises for everyone, greater accountability and improved local decision making. It is a shame that at Westminster, the Conservatives have now chosen to oppose Shropshire having a chance to be unitary and two of Shropshire's MPs are toeing the national party line.

Praise is definitely due, however, to some of the local Conservative councillors, who have decided to stick to their principles and continue to support the bid, in the face of internal pressure and de-selection threats.

It is somewhat sad, but not altogether surprising, that the two worst performing councils (Bridgnorth and North Shropshire) appear not to want any change.

Denial is always part of the problem in under-performing councils.

Matthew Green, Former Ludlow MP