THE proposal for an East Lancashire Unitary Authority is extremely sensible. Not only will it give an authority with the clout to rival cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, but the transition costs in setting it up would be minimised since Blackburn already has the management systems to run a unitary authority.

Indeed, logically, it is the only sensible businesslike solution for local government reorganisation in East Lancashire.

Yes, there will be loud protests from those consumed with petty jealousies and those seeking to preserve their jobs and positions of power, but, hopefully, this will not prevent the unification of towns with a common heritage.

Anyone who has read Arnold Bennett will know that there was great opposition in the last century to the unification of the five towns into the city of Stoke-on-Trent, however a successful city was formed without the individual towns losing their identities.

We may be behind the times in East Lancashire but the formation of a new city in the area would be extremely beneficial both economically and culturally.

PAUL SMITH, Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley.