Since Both the Governmentand County decided to take Northumberland to a "Single Unitary Council" a clear message should be sent back to Government. If you value the North East votes in the next election then relook into this. This decision was not made by a democratic choice it was by dictat by an arrogant uncompramising and electorally ignorant Government and a home secretary who has not one ounce of knowledge about our County, Hazel Blears neither lives nor works in this County, yet has inflicted a decision on us which not only loses a whole tier of democracy but also reduces public accountability and access to local councillors. Indeed Where has the public consultation been for such a changeover been and how many people even now have the relevantinformation as regards this Council's intention as regards the proposed new layout of none elected forums (ICON) and details of the proposed wholesale sell off of community assets. This is still the hidden agenda behind these proposals.

The one reason why it has been allowed to go ahead has been the reason that it will save taxpayers money, this is the biggest deception yet that has come from this Government.

The County Council under its last leadership deceived the public on a number of occasions, over the middle school system and the decision to close the care homes at Essendene and The Mount a decision notably made behind closed doors despite the concerns of the different communities. The decision to change to a Unitary Council is unacceptable and still MUST be fought at every level. Aside this there is the risk of the loss of public sector jobs, and there undoubtedly will be an under representation of democracy in the rural areas.

Surely it is important that, even now, we stand and say that we do not want to be dictated to by central Government or County as to how our local democracy is arranged.