WE are being asked in a referendum if we want a directly elected mayor to run Redditch.

The Government set up this project to modernise local government. If, therefore, we believe in New Labour and their efforts to improve the borough, why is the Labour Leader of the Council urging us to vote NO?

It is understandable why the opposition parties are sounding a note of dissent.

I have no doubt the Government is anxious to make this change and any money which is needed in excess of the present budget would be found.

It would bring us in line with most other European countries where elected mayors have been the custom for many years.

The election of a mayor would free the elected councillors to give much more time than at present to peoples' problems in the areas they serve.

Surely there are men and women in this borough with proven records of success in businesses and organisations who could bring their acumen to running the council?

We await Friday to see how the vote has gone and what percentage took the trouble to vote.

Joan Tyers

Address supplied