WHAT has happened to democracy in this country? Over the last 15 years the people of County Durham have rejected proposals for a single unitary council.

They said "no" in the early 1990s, "no" in the regional assembly referendum vote and now the Government is proposing to have a single unitary council without the people of County Durham having a say.

A single council for County Durham covering 862 square miles and a population of about 500,000 is too large to be "local" and would be too remote from communities.

What has Home Secretary John Reid just done with the Home Office? He has split it up because it is too big.

The proposal will remove local partnerships and bring about a central bureaucracy with little focus on local areas and those who matter - the residents.

Have you ever heard of a government estimate being correct?

They are talking of a cost of £12m, but if you listen to other financial advisors, this is likely to be £25m.

This is £25m that could be spent on improving the lives of the people of County Durham.

If you want to have your say on this subject go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/durham and vote for your say.

Kenneth Hodgson, Shildon, Co Durham.