AS IT was only a couple of years ago that West Somerset was almost declared bankrupt, I really do wonder why our councillors in Taunton Deane are pursuing the project of a joint council with West Somerset.

On the new website, West Somerset is shown to still have a 25 per cent shortfall in funding, so in who’s interests is this amalgamation being pursued?

Have Taunton Deane’s council leaders agreed to save the Government from the embarrassment of having a district council go bankrupt, as a direct result of Government policy?

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Public Consultation has begun, just before Christmas. Is it serious?

The same questionnaire, seeking our views, is on the website and available in print. But on neither is the person filling in the form asked to identify themselves by name or address, only ethnicity, sexuality and religion, if they choose to do so.

I only have two copies of the consultation form so far. I feel strongly that this amalgamation can only bring huge additional costs to the Deane’s ratepayers, as rural West Somerset’s costs will not diminish.

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So now I can fill in as many forms as I can lay my hands on, as can those in favour of this daft idea.

Is this a genuine consultation when no one who votes is accountable and anyone, anywhere can have as many votes for or against as they can manage?

BRIAN COLLINGRIDGE
Wiveliscombe