[g jones]

<garinda>Good to hear that the issue will be put to a referendum, and yes the proposed name change, and the idea for town councils is, and should remain, two separate issues.

Graham, who will have voting rights on the new town/parish councils?
It will be another local election. We currently have elections every year, so it wil just be an extra ballot paper. Anyone (within the law) can stand. Every person on the electoral roll can vote, as always.

Just the councillors who are currently representing wards in that town?
Anyone can stand. They could be the only candidate and therefore elected automatically.

If so, we could see one party towns, which seems rather frightening to me. At least with HBC there is a political balace of views, from all parties.

Certain areas do favour certain political viewpoints and I agree you could end up with one party politics. I'd favour that over a bunch of independents though. LOL I've got in for them I know!! LOL They represent all four corners so long as it is is in their own personal interest!