WEST Devon is halfway through the timetable on the controversial question of whether the borough should have a directly-elected mayor.

More than 38,000 ballot papers were sent out to residents in the borough last week and as of yesterday (Wednesday) just over 20% of them had been returned to the Electoral Reform Service.

The ballot paper included clear instructions on how to record a vote, a ballot paper, declaration of identity, an enevelope for the completed ballot paper and a reply-paid envelope addressed to the Electoral Reform Service.

West Devon councillors and political party activists have been busy campaigning on the issue.

Tories on West Devon Council are opposed to a directly-elected mayor and are calling on residents to vote no. The Conservatives prefer the alternative of a streamlined committee system.

Some Liberal Democrats also oppose the mayoral option and have distributed leaflets urging a vote against. But others are in favour and have put out a leaflet explaining their view. The Liberal Democrat Party has no national policy on the issue.

The closing date for ballot papers to be received at the Electoral Reform Service in London is 9pm on Thursday, January 31. The result is due to be announced the following day.

If residents opt to have a mayor, an election will be held in May. The mayor would serve an initial five-year term then face re-election every four years