THE pros and cons of 'Leaders unite to stop 'mega council'', (Craven Herald, September 3) seem to highlight a much wider, regional dilemma for local government in the North of England.

The news is constantly referring to some place called 'the North'.

HS2 railway development will be 'bringing much needed benefit to "the North'.

The first stage is from London (where else?) finishes at Birmingham. Stage two, says the national government (based in London) will commence later on. Really?

Stage one has taken several years. Last time I looked at a map Birmingham is still in the 'Midlands'.

So don't hold your breath for Stage two's arrival in 'the North' anytime soon.

Our local councils are now debating who is to have local powers in North Yorkshire, including proposals to introduce a 'mega council.

These discussions are important to everyone and it could be a rocky road ahead for all concerned.

I feel there is an absence of anything that formally defines and recognises 'the North' and that the above debates muddies the water even further.

I suggest that a formally elected structure that defines, geographically, the North should be considered for consideration. This structure would consist of the eight existing regional councils. These are Northumberland, Cumberland, Durham, Westmorland, North Riding, West Riding,East Riding and Lancashire.

The most southerly of these councils would therefore, geographically speaking, form our southern geographical borders with the rest of the country.

From small acorns do mighty trees grow.

But what would we call this new region?

How about "The Great Northern Region"?

 

Tom Clinton

Cononley