YOUR letter from Maureen Stephenson (HAS, Aug 17), whose late husband, Ken, was a wellrespected mace bearer for Darlington, reminded me of my dear friend, Chic Hayes, an ex-Grenadier Guard and also mace bearer for some years before Ken, who was also known to me.

With an elected mayor, it is by no means certain there will be no ceremonial duties as performed at present. The Government has pointed out, in its guidance to local authorities, that it is a matter for local choice and it would depend on the willingness of an elected mayor to do these duties.

Only if he/she is unwilling, must the council find "someone else" (ie, another councillor, possibly the most senior as happens now in Darlington) to do the ceremonial aspects of the mayor's duties.

The cause for confusion is understandable because Darlington Borough Council states in its leaflet: "Do you want an elected Mayor for Darlington?" that "someone else would do the duties". This is not necessarily true and only the part that the council chooses to portray has been communicated.

The leaflet, delivered to every household in the borough, is another example of our council spending taxpayers' money to influence public opinion on a matter of government policy.

Harvey Smith, Darlington.

I APPLAUD Maureen Stephenson's letter (HAS, Aug 17) and wonder if everyone who signed the petition for a referendum over an elected mayor for Darlington was made aware of the facts and history of these appointments since the passing of the 2000 Local Government Act?

To date, there have been 34 referenda with only seven of these since 2002 as the concept seems to have run out of steam. In 22 boroughs, voting was for no change and only 12 approved the elected mayor system with the turnout being as low as ten per cent in places such as Sunderland and Ealing.

Around the country the clear majority mood has been hostile to this innovation. In some areas residents have come to regret supporting the creation of an elected mayor and in Doncaster, Newham, Lewisham and Stoke there are campaigns running to return to Darlington's current model of governance.

Perhaps it is only in London, with its different circumstances to Darlington, where an elected mayor is of any real benefit to the people.

I do not want to see a disastrous change for Darlington. I believe the town desperately needs a "Say no to an elected mayor" campaign.

Alan Charlton, Middleton-St- George, near Darlington.