I WRITE in reference to the letter from Councillor Derek Boden (LET, May 15).

Coun Boden states the proposed North West Region Assembly will not be granted the same powers as those granted to the Scottish Parliament or the Welsh Assembly. So what point is there in the setting up such an assembly?

As for more police on the beat or better bus services, all that is needed to implement these is political will.

The 'No' campaign seem to accept that the proposed elected assembly would have 30/35 members who would no doubt appoint supportive underlings who, in turn, would appoint underlings.

The quoted cost of £25million for the assembly is an arbitrary figure with no real meaning. There is a real fear that the figure will rise out of control like that of the Scottish Parliament and the new accommodation for MPs at Westminster.

As for premises, it can be guaranteed that within five years of any inception the assembly would manufacture reasons for the building of a new 'palace'.. There is no doubt in my mind that the quoted cost of that structure will not bear any relation to the final cost.

According to Coun Boden the proposed assembly would work with less than the existing number of councillors. This reduced number would sit on any new unitary authority set up by the government. How many is 'less', let's have an honest figure.

Any assembly implemented in the proposed fashion would not have responsibility for local services (except police and transport). The proposed assembly would deal with strategic issues, now dealt with by Westminster. Why would we need another chamber to discuss these matters?

Coun Boden states that there is no reason for the proposed assembly to be seated in Manchester. In, reality because of the voting power there are only two real options - Manchester and Liverpool.

Finally Coun Boden asks what the 'No' campaign has to offer as an alternative. Why should the 'No' campaign offer any proposals beyond the status quo? If it were to offer any alternative it would be accepting the premise that change is necessary or wanted, which it patently is not.

ANTONY HAWORTH, Pendleside Close, Sabden, Clitheroe.