It is not just about the number of councils we have and how they are made up, it is a vital debate about how we can deliver services to local people, how those people can have a real say in the running of their council and how we ensure that tax payers' money is spent wisely.

That is why we would urge all the readers of the Journal to write or email the Boundary Committee to let it know what you think. What is at stake is our Suffolk way of life.

It is our view that creating new unitary councils responsible for all the services in their area is a good idea. If managed well, they can be more efficient, cost less and respond more effectively to local needs.

But we also know we can improve on the committee's proposal by creating a local council for West Suffolk, alongside one in the East and one for the Ipswich/Felixstowe area.

A unitary authority in West Suffolk would be big enough to make the important decisions and run services more efficiently, but it would be local enough to keep in touch with your needs and to give you a chance to get involved.

This approach would also make significant savings for the council tax payer, but unlike a single council for the whole of the county would not do this at the risk of becoming out of touch with local life and the needs of local people.

We have been overwhelmed with support from residents on this, and thanks to everyone who has been in touch to let us know what you think.

The Boundary Committee tells us it will be in listening mode until it makes its final recommendations at the end of December, so there is still plenty of time to have your say.

To get yourself heard, write to The Review Manager (Norfolk and Suffolk Reviews), The Boundary Committee for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London SW1P 2HW or email reviews@boundarycommittee.org.uk.

Cllrs John Griffiths,
Geoffrey Jaggard
and Mark Bee

St Edmundsbury,
Forest Heath
and Waveney councils