I CAN assure Mr Thomas (Citizen, September 4) that the Lib Dems are very keen on our plans to scrap 6500, London based government bureaucrats.

We are equally keen that a fair voting system be used to elect a Regional Assembly. Those elected should take power and duties away from most of the existing unelected regional bureaucrats.

That will save taxpayers millions, as will reducing the bureaucrats currently working for Wyre, Blackpool, Fylde & Lancs County Councils. One unified 'super council' would be more effective and cost efficient for all the urban Fylde Coast.

We Lib Dems have always believed decisions should be made as locally as possible. That is why it is worth a little investment, in transferring all practical local issues down to town or parish councils.

Fleetwood, St Annes and Cleveleys in particular need their own town councils. On some issues in some communities a beefed-up area forum or area committee may be a more suitable way forward.

Let us have a debate on the future local government of the Fylde Coast, perhaps the Citizen could organise a first public meeting?

Cllr Steven Bate

Blackpool Town Hall