I'VE read with interest letters here condemning the idea of elected regional government for the North West -- one of the latest by Mr Howarth (May 24).

He, like others, argues for the status quo -- suggesting that everything's fine as it is. 'No change' means they're happy with quangos making decisions about our future, they're keen for London bureaucrats to determine how our taxes should be spent in the region. They like the complexity of a two-tier council system; they're enthusiastic about the inequality between north and south.

Thatcherite Tory minister David Trippier and unsuccessful Liberal leader Cyril Smith are blasting from the past to defend fat cats on un-elected boards and old style boss politics that have damaged our development.

People of the North West see their region in renaissance, they have the confidence to change their democracy for the better, and they have an ambition for improving our prosperity and quality of life. Those wanting more progressive politics and a greater region will be voting 'yes' for the North West.

SIMON DANCZUK, Percival Street, Darwen.