POSSIBLE merger of Fenland, East Cambs and Huntingdonshire District Councils will almost certainly go down as one of the oddest political initiatives of the year.

It’s been made even more intriguing, of course, by the decision of one of those involved in the aborted bid, Hunts leader Councillor Ian Bates, to step down in May claiming the work load is all getting a bit too much.

His colleagues haven’t exactly been rushing to mourn his passing, but I did rather enjoy the comment of Councillor Peter Downes, Liberal Democrat opposition leader.

“It is a time of great pressure for all district councillors and I think he has made a wise choice with all the changes coming up,” said Cllr Downes.