A COMMENT on local authority mergers. The critical minimum population mass for a successful, modern, UK city is about 250,000. The general topography and geology within Newport’s current boundaries seriously restricts any large-scale developments in terms of high-rise buildings such as office blocks and road/rail infrastructure. However, Torfaen’s topography has potential for larger commercial infrastructures. If Torfaen were to merge with Newport, south Monmouthshire and Iswlyn, the combined population could be about 350,000 by 2020. The Newport, Gwent area will remain the poor relations of a Cardiff City region unless they unite. The mayor of Bristol has suggested a merger between Cardiff and Bristol - these two cities would dominate the Severn Estuary (with Newport and Gwent as ‘piggies in the middle’). However, with a population of about 350,000, the Newport/Torfaen/Islwyn/South Monmouthshire area would have the potential to develop successfully and independently.

Forget the protestations of the politicians and council leaders who worry about their jobs, in the event of the mergers. The residents, the real stakeholders, need to unite - otherwise, divided, they will fall.

Brian Hayes, Clearwell Court, Bassaleg,