"I welcome last night's brave stance by Bridgnorth District Council. The case for a Unitary authority has not been robustly made. There are genuine doubts about delivering the savings promised; how much it will cost taxpayers to achieve; and the loss of a local voice within a Unitary authority the size of Shropshire.
It seems quite right that local people should have their say in such a decision. I do not think a focus group commissioned by the County Council, comprising only ten people from Bridgnorth district, can possibly represent the views of the 40,000 Bridgnorth voters.
I will be arguing tonight in South Shropshire District Council, where I am a councillor, that we should follow Bridgnorth's lead and also let the people have their say. This will allow a proper debate, rather than rushing a constitutional change through which few have had a chance to understand. I will be happy to accept the result from asking local people."
