AS a resident of the North West, I have been following the debate on Regional Government with interest. Opponents often cite cost as a reason to oppose the formation of a directly elected government for our region.

I understand that unelected quangos spend in excess of £730 million without any accountability to anyone in the North West. Surely that alone is a huge reason for voting YES in next year's referendum.

We in the North West have always lost out to London and the South East. When our industries, shipyards, mines and engineering were decimated in the 80s and early 90s, it was always those from London and the South East who told us to 'get on our bikes' and look for work in other regions. The North West is filled with talented and entrepreneurial people who make our economy stronger. But unaccountable bodies and agencies tie these people up in red tape.

Regional government would bring all those agencies together, making sure the right strategic decisions are made benefiting our region and not unaccountable bureaucrats in London. I for one will be saying YES to the North West.

DEBBIE BRANNAN, North West Regional Officer, Amicus MSF Union.