WITH a series of back-patting interviews and syrupy speeches, David Cameron launched the Big Society back in 2010.

It was supposed to empower locals to run their own libraries, man their own post offices and take over their own community and sports centres.

More than two years later, what has happened to the Big Society?

The core idea is nothing new – people have been volunteering for generations.

So what went wrong?

The answer is the Big Society has been used to replace public services cut by the Government.

Middlesbrough’s case clearly illustrates this point.

A shocking £11m of additional cuts means Middlesbrough Council has no choice but to put forward 111 separate services likely be axed including libraries, community centres, school crossing patrols, teenagers’ half-fare bus passes, dial-a-ride transport, day care centres and, the most alarming of all, the closure of Ayresome Industries for disabled employees who make UPVC goods and garden furniture (Echo, Oct 24).

The power may have been placed into the hands of the local community – but very little money has.

Stephen Dixon, Redcar