I AGREE with the Argus editor (Editor's Chair, 18 June) that "the proposed new Gwent council would be... one huge behemoth" which would be too far removed from the 600,000 residents it would be supposed to serve. But I don't agree that there are too many councillors. Of course, many readers may think 'Well, he would say that, wouldn't he?' But most conscientious councillors are already busy enough dealing with constituents' casework and scrutinising their councils' operations (especially those councillors who have jobs to do, too). Fewer councillors will mean a poorer service to wards' residents, less scrutiny of councils' decision-making and less democratic accountability to the public. Yes, there should be fewer councils - let Welsh Government work with our councils' leaders on a sensible plan for the future. And let our councillors get on with representing their local communities.

Cllr Gez Kirby,
Pontllanfraith