Westminster is vary far away from us here in Northumberland – and Morpeth often seems just as remote to communities in Tynedale, especially with our unitary system of “local” government. The way the NCC is ruled through a small Executive usually dominated by a single party doesn’t help, either. Do any of us know the names of our masters, let alone ever see any of them? We have a small window of democracy coming on May 6. To me it seems very important this time that we cast our votes thoughtfully. The still-lamented Tynedale District Council worked best with a healthy mixture councillors, of all parties and independents, who respected each other and saw that the most able people from whatever grouping took the lead in its various committees. They got on with doing the best job for the people of the whole district, sharing practical ideas and priorities.