Move for change is backward

A unitary authority amalgamating county, borough and local councils is the most retrograde step possible. Yet to read the local papers, they are already a "fait accompli".

You, the people who are most affected by such a move, are only to be advised about this.

Not so very long ago, Oswestry Town Council, complete with its Royal Charter, was a compact but successful unit. Suddenly by virtue of population, we find ourselves as citizens forced to accept borough council status.

Our town has subsequently been torn apart, every place of entertainment has been closed except, of course, the public houses, and hooligan behaviour is now prevalent in today's teenagers.

Let's be fair, our nice little town is becoming an old folks' dormitory area, where retiring folk from overcrowded and larger towns and cities are leaving as fast as they can go. Our hospital no longer exists, and with an aging population what health facilities are available, are being swamped.

So, far from a unitary authority, what we need is a more intensive localised council. So let us dispose of the idea and revert to a local town authority.

Ted Roberts, Oswestry