THE biggest shake-up of local government in recent history is coming to a head but Okehampton has serious concerns about the prospect of a unitary Devon authority.

The deadline for people to make their views known on proposals by the Boundary Committee to make Devon a single unitary authority passes next week.

This week saw Okehampton Town Council formally submit its views to the committee but many people are still in the dark about how the changes will affect them.

A straw poll carried out by the Times found that more than 75% of Okehampton residents interviewed had 'no idea' about the Boundary Committee's proposals with others stating they would be 'completely ineffectual' and 'really terrible for Okehampton'.

At a special meeting on Monday, Okehampton Town Council decided its preferred option would be to see an amended form of two-tier government.

But a working party committee from the town council has also produced a detailed response to plans for a unitary authority.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Charles Letchford said: 'The present two-tier system can be an option. It's better the devil you know than the devil you don't.

'The big concern is the demographic deficiency a unitary Devon authority would create.

'We haven't got a clue what we'll be dealing with and what we'll be getting with a unitary authority.'

Okehampton mayor Kay Bickley added: 'There are too many unanswered questions about how a unitary authority will progress further down the line.

'I go back all the time to what people on the street want to see —council tax as low as possible and local services near and accessible to them.

'It's a rural issue; people want their services to be as local as possible. My biggest reservation is the remoteness of the decision making there will be with a unitary authority.

'The cynic in me says we're going to get what we're told we'll get.'

A single authority for Devon would spell the end of West Devon Borough Council and see a population of 700,000, spread across 2,500 square miles, governed by one authority.

The borough council believes a unitary authority will be too big adequately to serve the communities in a challenging geographical area and claims many parishes will no longer enjoy their current representation and ability to influence important issues such as planning and licensing.

John Young, West Devon Borough councillor for Okehampton West, said: 'The people of West Devon have not yet woken up to the fact that the power of decision making is being taken away from them.

'It's not realistic to suggest that the new talking shops —"community boards" —will have any power other than wishes and suggestion.

'People know and can speak to their councillors at the moment, but soon it'll be much, much more difficult.'

Devon County Council feels the opposite, believing a single unitary authority will cut costs, deliver value for money and reduce the burden of council tax.

Further information about the Boundary Committee's proposals, as well as views from members of the public, can be found at http://www.boundarycommittee.org.uk">www.boundarycommittee.org.uk

Before the consultation period ends on September 26, views can be emailed via the website or an online form can be filled in there.

Alternatively, letters can be written to the Review Manager (Devon Review), The Boundary Committee, Trevelyan House, 30 Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2HW.

A final recommendation will be made to the Secretary of State by December 31 who will decide whether or not to accept it after a further consultation period.