YP Letters: Doncaster's unhappy choice over devolution

Would towns like Doncaster benefit if there was Yorkshire-wide devolution?

AS if the referendum on Europe wasn’t enough, the residents of Doncaster (and Barnsley) are now being asked about whether they would prefer to be joined with a new Sheffield City Region or to be part of the One Yorkshire plan.

As a longstanding resident of Doncaster, I have to say that I am very concerned about this. The Government appear to be unflinching in their wish that we become part of the Sheffield City Region and are backing this with the promise of hard cash.

May I ask what opinions do our MPs have about this matter? I have written to my own MP, Caroline Flint, and so far have had no reply.

Quite by chance I have discovered from the internet, that she could be a possible candidate, along with David Blunkett and Richard Caborn, for mayor of the new Sheffield City region.

As a point of interest, Doncaster is one of the few areas which already have an elected mayor. If we go into the Sheffield City region will this post become redundant?

As with the national referendum, there is a stunning dearth of basic information.

I am concerned that no matter which solution is arrived at, it may not be of any great benefit to Doncaster. It is a very large Metropolitan District, entirely unique in geographical make up to any other part of Yorkshire. It has better road and rail communications with all parts of the country that any other area in Yorkshire. The airport is expanding rapidly along with the iPort.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a global player in conservation issues and a £50m expansion is imminent.

A world class golf complex is being planned. Potteric Carr, The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserve with its new visitor ventre, is due to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

So my question is, why should Doncaster become a small part of either of these proposals?

From: Andrew Mercer, Guiseley.

I’M all for One Yorkshire – we have too much government in the county. It would help if there was much more clarity on the precise remit of a county-wide mayor.

If the focus was narrow and specific – skills, inward investment, infrastructure and being an ambassador for Yorkshire – there’s no reason why it could not command the support of Ministers, business leaders and, most crucially, local taxpayers.