MAYOR of Newton Abbot Cllr Louise Cooke has joined other council leaders welcoming the Government’s review of plans for local government reorganisation in Devon.

In a statement, she said: ‘This is a significant, once-in-a-generation decision for our county and, most importantly, for the communities we represent.

‘Changes on this scale must be carefully considered, properly scrutinised and, above all, shaped by the needs and views of local people.’

The forthcoming shake-up would have been the biggest change in the way local councils operate in half a century.

It would have slashed the number of existing councils in Devon from 11 now to just four, and would have seen the county’s urban centres expand into neighbouring districts.

Plans for 14 areas will be reviewed – including Devon – to “ensure the process is robust and aligns with the new government’s plans to rewire the state”, a statement from the government said.

Under the proposals, Newton Abbot would have become part of a wider council including Torbay.

Cllr Cooke went on: ‘Throughout the debate about reorganisation, the town council has been clear that the identity and voice of towns such as Newton Abbot must not be lost.

‘Whatever structure emerges in the future, decisions should be made as close as possible to the people they affect, and town and parish councils must have a meaningful role in shaping and supporting their communities.

‘Newton Abbot has a strong identity, a proud history and an ambitious future.

‘Our residents deserve local government arrangements that strengthen that sense of place, provide effective and accountable services, and give communities a genuine say in the decisions that affect them.

‘The pause now provides an opportunity to reflect on what will work best for Devon and to ensure that local voices are properly heard.

‘I hope the Government will use this review to engage constructively with councils at every level, including town and parish councils.

‘Crucially, the outcome of any future review of local government structures must take into account the needs and aspirations of the whole of Devon.

‘The decisions ahead should not be driven by the self-interest of individual authorities, organisations or areas, but by what will deliver the best, fairest and most sustainable arrangements for all of Devon’s communities.

'This is a golden opportunity to focus on creating a system of local government that serves residents, strengthens communities and allows every part of our county to thrive.

'As Mayor of Newton Abbot and as a town councillor, I will continue to champion our town and its residents and ensure that Newton Abbot’s interests and identity remain firmly represented in the discussions about the future of local government in Devon.’