Dear Sir
I wish that Ken Robson had mused about devolution in last week’s Newton News before “over imbibing whisky” (his words not mine), because everything he said about it was mistaken. Devolution is NOT an extra “two layers of government”, there will be NO “super council”, the Mayor’s office will not cost the “ratepayer” a penny, etc..
It was Mr Robson, you will remember, who a few weeks ago used the Newton News to call for “full frontal lobotomy” for burglars and “public flogging at football stadiums” for fraudsters “as half time entertainment”. I repeat: “as entertainment”!
Yet this man does not blush to come before the voters and seek election as a Councillor.  You could not make it up.
John D Clare
P.S.  I must thank Mr Robson for one thing: for drawing attention to the fact that Durham County Council is the only Council in England holding a poll on devolution.  By the time you read this letter, you should have received your voting papers.  I urge you please to read the materials, and to come to a thoughtful and sober decision.