Dithering is over at last and we’re set for a metro mayor

From: Lionel Pyrah, Cambridge Street, Normanton.

ALTHOUGH apparently provisional at this stage, it is excellent news that West Yorkshire is to have a metromayor next year (The Yorkshire Post, March 12 and 13).

The bickering and dithering of the past six years have given way to common sense at last.

However, I am somewhat saddened by the possible demise of the Leeds City Region following the comments of Councillor Denise Jeffrey that the Wakefield district, of which she is leader, will not be swallowed up under her watch by that particular body.

As one of her fellow residents, I can state categorically that I would have no objection whatsoever to Wakefield ultimately being part of a Greater Leeds.

Indeed, the West Midlands has recently been described as Greater Birmingham and Coventry, for example.

Finally, as for a possible oneYorkshire devolution deal later, this concept, in my view, should be kicked into the long grass. The idea would surely lead to a wasteful tier of local government, not to mention a Cataloniastyle autonomous region of questionable merit.

From: Barry White, Chief Executive, Transport for the North.

WE are disappointed Northern Powerhouse Rail continues to be talked about only in terms of the Manchester to Leeds leg and we remain clear that this transformative rail project must be delivered in full. The West Yorkshire devolution deal and committed funding for our region’s mayors highlight the move towards further devolution and we will continue our calls for a dedicated Northern Budget so that sustained and substantial transport investment can be made in our region.

The Budget opens up the pathway to the Comprehensive Spending Review and with the National Infrastructure Strategy delayed and Integrated Rail Plan recently announced, there are many opportunities for Northern leaders to be at the heart of investment decisions for our region.

From: Jeff Thomas, Straight Lane, Huby.

GOOD news for a devolution deal for West Yorkshire. It will be interesting to see how the Leeds City Region will fit in to it, especially as it currently includes Harrogate, York, Selby and part of South Yorkshire.

If these areas are still to be included, it would bode well for a one-Yorkshire deal in the future.