Should Malton and Norton merge?

The main concern people seem to have about the two towns joining together is that there will be a loss of identity. If amalgamation does go ahead it is quite likely that the area will be known as Malton rather than Norton, which could lose its identity. The railway station, bus station and bacon factory are all in Norton but their address is Malton which indicates to many outsiders the nature of this community.

Meanwhile, for marketing purposes ,many larger businesses use the term

Malton, even when they are referring to Norton.

I am not saying we should lose our identity, I am saying there is an opportunity to create a stronger one - there could be big benefits by joining

together.

We need to sell ourselves to the outside world using a name - Malton is the main name and a second name only confuses the issue. If we can attract more businesses, both towns will benefit from more jobs and more visitors. Malton and Norton may be divided by a river but we are essentially one community.

Not everyone sees themselves as either from Malton or Norton. Many perceive themselves as being from both.

At the moment we have the situation where there are two councils representing one community. This seems to be a waste, a duplication and a confusion of strategy and direction. Where are we going in the years ahead? I would hope a stronger, single council would have more authority and focus to achieve more for the community.

Town councils need kudos and authority and this is something they are lacking. Their position and responsibilities are lost against a backdrop of the district council which many local residents see as their local council.

Both town councils have problems finding enough members to stand for election and, as a result, election by default has been a common occurrence.

It does little to enhance the status of either town council and it is worth noting that a 'residents panel' is considered by some to be a more representative measure of community consultation than either town council.

It is my hope that a stronger, single town council would help to attract more people in the community to stand for election.

Councillors would have to fight harder to win a place on the council. We may even attract some younger faces and create a more proactive council. Joining the towns together would mean the one council would wield more power and influence and be able to push harder on a range of issues.

We have to find the best way to adapt to the new shape of our community and its changing needs. It's time we asked the people what they want.

NO ...says Councillor Gerry Cooper of Malton

I am totally against any proposed amalgamation. It would be a retrograde step, a dumbing down of the local democratic process and an unwanted imposition. I see no grass roots demand for this move, which would just be tinkering for the sake of tinkering.

One could almost argue that it is an attack on our traditional heritage.

This is the way things have been run for generations - those who came before us considered that this was the best way to operate and there is no reason to assume they are wrong.

We have always had two towns separated by the river and this is the way it should stay.

If this imposition is foisted upon us Norton council will be the obvious loser.

It is the larger of the two councils, there are more residents there and the council has more resources.

Norton has its own council chamber whereas Malton does not.

I'm sure Norton would be none too happy at the prospect of having Malton members taking over part of their council chamber.

If there was any amalgamation Norton would have to take on board all of Malton's responsibilities.

Also, if we were to become joined together Norton residents would surely resent the fact that their council tax would be shared out with Malton residents.

More people live in Norton so more council tax is collected there. Why should they be expected to give up part of their contribution for the people of Malton? Similarly, why should Malton residents give up what little they contribute to the town for those in Norton?

Malton Town Council, which has virtually no responsibilities - apart from the cemetery - would hardly notice the difference with regards to responsibilities.

As a Malton town councillor I can see no benefit from joining the two towns together.

At present, Norton residents come across to Malton to use facilities there and Malton uses Norton's amenities.

Amalgamation would mean nothing but the towns being joined in name.

Most residents don't really care what happens so what's the point in spending money and time on it?

Besides, the system works perfectly well as it is and joining together would prove to be a bureaucratic nightmare.

It could also set a very dangerous precedent. Once Malton and Norton are amalgamated, what is stopping other councils from doing the same?

If there is to be more debate about this issue I should like to see a referendum carried out so the residents have a chance to have their say on the matter.

If that happened there would be overwhelming support for keeping things as they are.

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, November 21, 2001