I WISH to clarify a few points regarding the possibility of merging Selby and York councils ('Green vote for merger', Evening Press, February 14).

York Green Party's principal concern is the inadequacy of the choice being offered by the Local Government Boundary Commission. In particular, we feel people in Selby should be offered more, and better, options.

The consultation limits the options for Selby to an inadequate choice between being run by the former North Yorkshire County Council from Northallerton 60 miles away, or being lumped in with the East Riding, stretching out to Bridlington.

Selby should be offered the option of continuing to be its own local authority, with its existing boundaries. As York Green Party points out in its response to the commission, Selby itself would not be the smallest unitary authority.

Another possibility is a merger with York, provided most people in Selby and York vote for that.

The Green Party believes people should be offered the chance to vote 'on' that option, rather than that they should necessarily vote 'for' a merger.

Voters should judge the advantages and disadvantages of each option and make good choices for themselves.

John Norris,

Chair, York Green Party,

Hampden Street,

Bishophill, York

Updated: 10:23 Monday, February 23, 2004