MAY I take the opportunity to tell the public, through your newspaper, a very important message which I believe needs much more publicity than it is presently getting.

During the month of March, the council tax demands will be delivered to all the householders of West Devon. Enclosed will be a consultation leaflet for everyone to tick one box and return to West Devon Borough Council. It is a simple enough exercise but I fear that with the council tax in one hand, naturally being the focus of attention, the brightly coloured leaflet may still find its way into the bin as just another consultation.

It is, in fact, very important. It is about changing the way Local Government works. To be decided by May 2001 and implemented by June 2002.

The very people who influence and set the council tax and local charges, (the county and borough councils), are being told by Central Government to find new, more accountable ways of functioning.

There are three options - two of which offer a directly elected, full-time mayor to be in charge overall; one of which suggests selecting a leader from within the ranks of elected councillors. A fourth option is available to the borough, allowing something similar to the present arrangements at the borough council.

Please do not ignore this paper. Do not leave it to the councillors to choose what is best for us. Take this opportunity to cast your vote — please read it, just tick one box and return the form. That's democracy.

Mrs Pat Warne

Town and borough councillor for Tavistock

Down Road

Tavistock