I totally agree with the letter from Jim Romanos in the Gazette, August 18, concerning the proposed merger of South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council.

He rightly points out that the cost of the merger with West Devon will be paid for by residents of South Hams and will result in a high percentage increase in council tax.

It is for the reasons that he gives that all five Liberal Democrat councillors voted against what he rightly describes as folly.

We are South Hams councillors and represent South Hams people and especially those in our wards.

We do not see why the residents of South Hams should have their purses used for the benefit of West Devon tax payers. South Hams does not have a debt to service. West Devon has a big debt and has recently approved more massive borrowing. If West Devon and South Hams merge the risk of this borrowing will be shared by people in South Hams.

I hope during the “consultation” everyone will strongly object to the idea and let their MP know what they think.

Cllr Keith Baldry

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Leader of the Opposition, South Hams District Council