Madam,

I was horrified to recently read that Machynlleth Town Council had decided to become the first to formally back Welsh independence.

These people were elected in a barely contested election, but think it is acceptable to go beyond their remit and interfere in constitutional issues. Maybe they should focus on the day job?

This policy is totally against the interests of the people of Machynlleth and Wales: independence would be an act of economic suicide, cultural division, and nasty nationalism as Wales receives significantly more money from the Treasury than it raises in taxes, is a pro-union population, and with half of the population living 30 miles from the border, relies on a porous border and harmonised services.

Those who propose independence should actually try and make the most of the devolution settlement before they wish to rip Wales from the most successful political union in world history.

I’m sure those paying their council tax will agree that they don’t want their money being wasted on this destructive campaign.

My message to these councillors would be to stick to your remit and make Machynlleth the best it can be before getting delusions of grandeur.

Yours etc, C Davies, Cwmllinau, Machynlleth.

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