Explore the scope for social co-operation

KENNETH HARRIS (Letters, July 20) is right to highlight the benefits of cross-border co-operation for economic and social development, although I would prefer to keep Ukip largely out of the discussion! It is good to see the Welsh Government exploring the potential in this area.

Many people in Wales may not have followed the development of powerful Combined Authorities in England. But both Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will have them next year, with directly elected mayors.

These structures are, quite surprisingly, starting to drive discussion about regional economic development, just as the Senedd has more comprehensively transformed the national debate in Wales.

Of course, these two English regions, with millions of people, are close to Wales. Furthermore, between them and the border are the historic Marches. It is always moving to see that Shrewsbury, Hereford and Chester also have Welsh names, unlike most English towns.

My own town of Wem is nearer to Clwyd than to Shrewsbury, and I pick up my Western Mail regularly at the Co-op!

It is time Wales, the West Midlands, the North-West and the Bristol area seriously explored the scope for economic, social and cultural co-operation, working as one to make lives better.

John Gemmell Wem, Shropshire