ELECTED MAYOR

IT is interesting that the "Yes" campaigners in the referendum have stayed quiet on how difficult it is to get rid of an elected mayor, if that system is chosen.

There have been referendums in 34 places in Britain so far. In 22 of these, people have rejected the gimmicky idea of having an elected mayor, including Durham, Sedgefield and Sunderland in our region.

In no less than four places where there is an elected mayor, residents are actively campaigning to scrap that system, and return to the system we have in Darlington now.

This has proved to be an uphill struggle, however. There is due to be a referendum in Doncaster soon, but in Lewisham, the picture is very different. Despite collecting a petition, the council rejected letting the people decide. There, the elected mayor and the majority of councillors are in the same political party.

It is clear that the "Yes" campaigners are relying on a low turnout on September 27 to achieve their aims. I hope everyone in Darlington does vote, so this small minority will not have their way - otherwise we will all have plenty of time to repent at leisure. - Michael Nicholson, Darlington.

FRANK Robson seems to remember (HAS, Page 10, Sept 15) that the Civic Trust declined to speak against sanctioning the High Row project, but fails to mention that he accepted the video that was presented to demonstrate their case.

Also, it was the architect that the council had already engaged for the job who was asked to speak in favour of the project. How was he allowed to represent the townsfolk?

So, together with the absence of any meaningful debate in the meeting, it could be fair to conclude that the decision to proceed had been made before the meeting had begun.

One member of the public did attempt to offer some expert advice on a fundamental design flaw in the project, but was told to sit down and keep quiet. So this was a classic example of our elected council's understanding of democracy. A "Yes" vote for an elected mayor would change this. - L Hume, Darlington.

CCTV SYSTEM

I SEE that Darlington Borough Council is to digitise the CCTV system (Echo, Sept 7) which as I have said before (Echo, July 26) is illegal since it does not comply with the Information Commissioner's Code of Practice.

A complaint has been made to the commissioner, but it is dragging its heels, which all governmental regulatory bodies seem to do when a council is involved.

What concerns me most is that the police are using evidence obtained by the system to take people to court, many of whom will end up with a criminal record, which could well affect them in later life.

Since the CCTV system is illegal, then it should not be operating and all pictures taken to date must be destroyed.

Will the police take note of the above and check it out for themselves and will defendants' solicitors do the same and move to have the convictions quashed?

A copy of this letter is being sent to the Information Commissioner to draw his attention to the seriousness of his delay. - John W Antill, Darlington.

FESTIVAL PRAISE

WOW. The Rhythm 'n' Brews Festival in Darlington Market place on Sunday was one of the best to date. Decent weather, lovely setting, enthusiastic music-loving crowd, packed pubs and four great bands. The music was of the highest quality and the culmination was the legendary Chris Farlowe supported by the brilliant Norman Beaker and his excellent band.

This must be one of the best organised and most appreciated events Darlington Borough Council puts on, and whoever is in charge of it must really know their stuff. Thanks for a great day out. - Beryl Hankin, Darlington.