WEST Devon gave a resounding thumbs down to the idea of a directly-elected mayor for the borough in last week's referendum.

The 41.8 per cent turnout in the vote was the highest nationally of any postal referendum held on this issue so far — which was welcomed by all councillors, even if the result was not.

Just 22 per cent of West Devon residents voted in favour of a directly elected mayor, a total of 3,555 votes. The 'no' vote was counted in at 12,190 votes, or 76 per cent of electors.

The poll outcome means the council will adopted a streamlined committee system as its decision-making structure.

Cllr Dick Eberlie, leader of the council's Conservative group who campaigned against the mayoral option, said: 'This is a victory for common sense, for good practical sense.

'An executive mayor, as opposed to a ceremonial mayor, would never have suited West Devon, with our widely scattered communities.'

Cllr Eberlie said an executive mayor and cabinet would have allowed little opportunity for all councillors to have a fair say in the decision-making process — but he accepted that real change would be needed when the committee system was streamlined.

Cllr Eberlie said: 'It's got to be different, it must be more accountable, more open and above all, take quicker decisions — things must not be batted around from one committee to another.'

Cllr Pat Warne, Independent ward member of Tavistock South, was a strong supporter of the idea of a directly elected mayor.

She said she was surprised at the strength of the 'no' vote, given that a 'considerable number' of residents had voted for 'radical change' in the consultation carried out by the borough last year.

Cllr Warne said: 'There was a very strong "no" campaign, with some extreme comments about dictators and the cost, which were not qualified.

'I think people were very unsure about which way to vote, because they didn't know who they would be voting for — therefore they thought it would be safer to keep the situation they knew best. I find that a pity.'

Cllr Warne said the 'proof of the pudding would be in the eating' as far as a streamlined committee system was concerned

'We have missed the opportunity to have a leader. I am pleased people took their right to vote — now we must move forward, with what I consider to be a virtual status quo.'

David Incoll, borough chief executive, said: 'What is most pleasing about this exercise is the response of local people.

'Their willingness to vote shows that they care about how their council operates.'

Cllr Robin Pike, West Devon's ceremonial mayor, said: 'The result was achieved by the true democratic process and the people of West Devon exercised their freedom of choice.

'I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote and decided for themselves the way they wish to be governed locally in the 21st century.'

The referendum was called as a result of the Local Government Act 2000, which requires district councils to modernise the way they carry out their business.

The referendum, which cost the borough more than £23,000, was believed to be the most democratic way forward, enabling the people of West Devon to have a say on the future of the authority.

The Electoral Reform Service carried out the postal ballot, with the votes being counted at the its London headquarters.

l See Letters, page 4