POSTAL ballot forms will land on the doormats of West Devon residents next week — the first step in deciding the future set-up of the borough council.

People in the borough are being asked if they would like an elected mayor to be in charge of the council's services and to lead the council.

West Devon is one of six areas, including Plymouth, due to hold a referendum within the next two months.

Sixteen areas of England have already held a referendum — six voted to have a directly elected mayor, but the remaining ten rejected the proposal.

The responses ranged from a healthy 64 per cent in Berwick Upon Tweed to just 26.6 per cent in Harrow. Both towns voted no to having an elected mayor.

An analysis of those areas that have completed their referendum seems to show that where the 'turnout' was highest, residents rejected the proposal for an elected mayor.

But that analysis should carry a health warning: the New Local Government Network, an independent think-tank promoting debate about modernising local government, says local and regional factors have played a part in the response of the 16 areas and that there is no common pattern.

Residents of West Devon have already received a borough council leaflet, 'U Decide' outlining the process — it did not seek to persuade people to vote for or against an elected mayor.

Residents will simply be asked to vote yes or no to the proposal for having a directly elected mayor.

But what are the pros and cons of the elected mayor proposal?

In this special feature the Times attempts to answer some of the questions.

Why do we have to change our current system?

Because of new legislation for the modernisation of local government.

But why are we having a ballot?

The new legislation allows a referendum to be called at any time in the next five years if 2,000 voters demand one.

Have 2,000 voters in West Devon done just that?

No, but rather than face the uncertainty, the borough council decided to hold a referendum now.

What are the benefits of having a directly elected mayor?

Those in favour believe a directly elected mayor would have the capacity to re-engage people with local government. There would be many checks and balances built into the mayoral system. It would mean choice rested with the public and the accountability would be directly to them as the mayor would have to face the voters. The mayor's first term of office would last five years, after that he or she would have to face the electorate every four years.

Would the mayoral candidates be political nominees?

Not necessarily. Political parties would no doubt want their man or woman to hold the post, but Independents could seek election as well. Anyone over the age of 21 and living in West Devon could stand. The final choice of mayor would be down to the voters.

Do certain political parties want an elected mayor while others are opposed?

The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats on West Devon Council both oppose the idea of a directly elected mayor. Independents have also voiced opposition, but one Independent, Cllr Pat Warne, has come out strongly in favour.

How would a directly elected mayor operate?

He or she would select a cabinet in the same way that the Prime Minister does. The cabinet, of between two and ten members, would be made up of elected councillors.

What are the drawbacks of having a directly elected mayor?

Opponents claim it is ill-suited for a rural area such as West Devon. They say a mayor would run the council with a hand-picked group, the system would lead to 'cronyism' and the cost of running a mayoral office would be excessive.

Back to that postal ballot — what if most people vote no to having a mayor?

The alternative is a streamlined committee system. Those who back this idea say that it would mean council committees would have responsibility for their own budgets, and decisions would be taken more swiftly than at present.

What are the drawbacks to that system?

Opponents say it would not provide effective day-to-day decision-making and would be little more than a halfway house that would confuse accountability and do little to cut bureaucracy.

Which system is more costly for ratepayers?

Ah, that's a difficult one. Those who favour the directly elected mayor system say it would cut bureaucracy as decisions would be taken more quickly.

And what about those who favour a streamlined committee system?

Er . . . they say the same.

How much would a directly elected mayor be paid?

Not known at present. It would be up to the council to decide after receiving independent advice. Strictly speaking, it would be an allowance, not a salary. Cabinet members would also receive an allowance but this would replace the present allowances paid to the chairman of the council's committees.

If the new mayor is busy running the council, who would wear the fancy clothes and chain of office and open the coffee mornings and fetes?

There would be a ceremonial mayor for duties such as those who would be selected by councillors.

So West Devon would have two mayors?

Sort of, but one would be an executive post, the other, purely ceremonial. The title of the ceremonial post would probably have to be 'Portreeve' or 'Borough Mayor' to avoid confusion.

Why should I bother voting?

If you don't vote, you will allow those who do to make the decision for you. The greater the response in the ballot, the more democratic the outcome.