I WOULD suggest that Coun Galloway checks his facts before commenting again on the prospect of linking Selby with York in a possible reorganisation of local government in North Yorkshire (Green vote for merger, February 14).

Coun Galloway erroneously states that: "There is no indication of support for this from ordinary York and Selby residents".

I am happy to advise Coun Galloway that a number of parish councils, representing a broad cross section of the local community, have come out in favour of a link up between Selby and York. This is in addition to public bodies such as the Selby and York Primary Care Trust and prominent figures from the business communities in both Selby and York.

Coun Galloway also claims that merging Selby with York could lead to "less, not more Government cash".

It might be advisable for him to review comments made by Della Cannings, Chief Constable of North Yorkshire, who has stated that if Selby is removed from the county and tacked on to the East Riding of Yorkshire, her budget could be cut by up to ten per cent. This would surely have substantial implications for York.

County Councillor John Vause,

Main Street,

Hensall.

Updated: 11:53 Wednesday, March 03, 2004