I ATTENDED the meeting at the Gala Theatre, Durham, regarding unitary authorities.

In my past I have been a district and county councillor, giving my time for expenses only.

We were informed that savings would be made, but we all know that figures can be produced to match the arguments.

Apparently, with one authority there will be 126 councillors, each paid £20,000 a year, supported by local partnerships with parish councils playing a greater role. Will this provide better services? I cannot see how.

These local groups will have a great deal of responsibility and will require servicing, an administrator, premises, a chairperson and, no doubt, eventually not only expenses but also larger payments. A repeat of what exists now. What a waste of money going in circles to finish up where we started.

Decisions will be made by a county cabinet, a self-appointed body of a few councillors who will not have the in-depth local knowledge. This is too much power in too few hands and totally undemocratic.

Why did the county council not support a countywide referendum on this issue?

This is just another step to EU regionalisation.

Let us have a proper debate and referendum, the results of which must be adhered to.

Kath Currie, Brancepeth, Durham.

HAVING attended the unitary council debate in Durham I must express disappointment at the way in which I feel the meeting was used as a party political meeting by Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods.

While Ms Blackman-Woods should be applauded for showing an interest in local democracy, the constant attacks on the local council were tiresome and did not add to the debate. Councillor Carol Woods, deputy leader of Durham City Council, showed admirable restraint in not rising to the bait and great dignity under the persistent pressure.

I am disappointed my question regarding where £6m of savings not accounted for was going, and why the savings made were to be used to reduce the council tax for the better off, were not answered properly.

The people of Durham City were asked recently how the present recycling system could be improved.

I asked that plastic bottles and cardboard be collected. We are now provided with sacks for cardboard and plastic bottles.

I would suggest Ms Blackman- Woods reports to her Westminster masters that perhaps the local council was re-elected because of its democratic approach to providing services, and New Labour may do better if it does the same.

Michael Orange, Newton Hall, Durham.