GILBERT BACKS UNIFIED COUNCIL FOR CORNWALL

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st May 2007

As information leaflets that explain the proposal for a single council for Cornwall drop through letterboxes, Stephen Gilbert has given his backing to the plan for a "unified council".

Stephen Gilbert said: "This proposal is about making sure that local services are delivered efficiently, that people are accountable for those services, and that decisions about Cornwall's future are taken here and not in London or Bristol."

"By saving money the plans will improve local services, make it clear to people who is responsible for what, and give a bigger voice to our towns and parishes helping to beef-up local decision making."

"In many ways the plans would give Cornwall one of the most modern structures of local government across the country and that's what the people of Cornwall deserve."