I AM very concerned there is no public debate with regard to the off-loading of Wyre Forest District Council property and services to outside bodies.

There is also a similar county-wide situation with other district councils, apparently moving to off-load some of their services to the county council.

Two examples arise in Bewdley - The Lax Lane Craft Centre is being sold off by Wyre Forest District Council, who also wish to off-load Bewdley Guildhall.

If Bewdley Town Council takes on ownership and operation of the building (as was the case before 1974), will Bewdley ratepayers be left with paying the new bill in full, or will they get a rebate because the district council already charge them through their Council Tax?

Is there a future for the district council?

It now has no housing stock and has private-partnership deals in areas such as leisure.

Perhaps the voters of Wyre Forest should have a referendum to settle the issue of town v district v county.

Stourport seems to be in a similar position, but Kidderminster does not have a town council - which it ought to have.

Property and services are being taken away from the district council without a proper strategic plan or public debate and support.

I suggest representatives of our three tiers of local government - town/parish, district, and county - organise a public forum (not a tickbox answer sheet), and invite members of the public to respond to these current undemocratic and important issues.

The public must be allowed to express a preference for delivery of local services by the council of their choice.

I have asked Bewdley Town Council to start the process.

NIGEL KNOWLES

Bewdley town councillor (Labour) and former district councillor,

Welch Gate, Bewdley