If it is true that, of the 70,000 postcards that were sent out to South Hams residents only four per cent responded, then the residents of South Hams should be ashamed of themselves.

They have only themselves to blame if the merger with West Devon Borough Council is approved at Follaton House this week, with the consequences that will surely follow. Just occasionally a local issue arises that should get everyone to sit up and take notice, and this is one. Council tax will surely rise and, with fewer councillors, local government support will be distanced from us and become less relevant to us.

I got a strong sense from last week’s Gazette on the subject, from the heady combination of local and national political motivation, the cunning ­interpretation of survey figures and the understandable ­scepticism of consultation ­exercises, that despite the ­overall will in the South Hams not to merge – 86 per cent of those returning surveys were against – that our leaders will bow to the Government’s requirement to save money.

By the time this letter is ­printed, we will know whether our local authority leaders have abandoned this ridiculous ­proposal or not. I for one will be relieved and delighted if our Conservative councillors show they are able to put the wishes of residents ahead of Conservative political interest. My sincere hope is that our district councillors will have done the right thing in supporting the will of its residents.

John Harcus

Fore Street, Aveton Gifford