TWO new unitary councils will be set up in Bedfordshire to take on the services of the four existing councils. After more than two years of discussions by the Government, secretary of state for communities and local government Hazel Blears made the announ

TWO new unitary councils will be set up in Bedfordshire to take on the services of the four existing councils.

After more than two years of discussions by the Government, secretary of state for communities and local government Hazel Blears made the announcement today (Thursday) that was immediately welcomed by Mid Beds District Council (MBDC).

But the leader of Bedfordshire County Council, which will disappear under the proposals, hit back saying it would try and fight for survival in the courts.

Under the new unitary system, Central Bedfordshire will unite MBDC and South Bedfordshire councils and there will be a new unitary council for Bedford Borough.

Welcoming the long awaited news, Councillor Tricia Turner, leader of MBDC, said: "This is excellent news.

"We are looking forward to a challenging year. Bringing together three councils (MBDC, South Beds and Beds County Council), to create a single new one to create a single new Central Bedfordshire unitary authority will present both challenges and opportunities.

"Councillors and staff are prepared for these and look forward to delivering a successful outcome.

"For me, success will mean a smooth transition from Mid Beds to Central Beds, with the least disruption to service delivery for our residents."

Cllr Turner added: "Success for the new council must mean that all involved have a total commitment to the new authority, and hold dear the value that matter most to us - delivering excellent services, providing value for money for our residents, working creatively and successfully with our partners, ensuring we continue to charge a low council tax and remaining a council that listens to its residents and is prepared to consider the needs of the individual."

But Councillor Madeline Russell, leader of the county council, hit back after hearing the news saying: "We are extremely disappointed with the Government decision and fear the damage that would result if the county and its services are split in two.

"We cannot accept that this decision is final. The Government may have made up its mind but the courts have not.

"We are upset but not surprised that the secretary of state has ignored the fact that all the major stakeholders backed our case and, particularly, that she has ignored public opinion.

"In five short weeks nearly 33,000 people signed our petition in support of a single council for Bedfordshire."

North East Bedfordshire MP Alistair Burt said: "The decision process has been long and tortuous and not covered the Government in much glory and has been damaging in many ways.

"At least we have a decision which I hope will settle the uncertainty which has affected the councils and all who have worked for them for so long. It's time to look forward and not back."

Central Bedfordshire Council will be the heart of the county covering some 1,000 square kilometres and stretching from Dunstable and Leighton Linslade in the west and Sandy and Arlesey in the east. The area has a population of 250,000.

Its headquarters will be in Chicksands and Dunstable with points of presence in four towns including Biggleswade.

Elections to the new council will be held in May next year.