WHAT an indictment of New Labour is Rachel Sills' report "Poor, Poor, Blackpool," (Citizen January 17).

The 1991 report, "Housing, Homelessness and Health in Blackpool." had Dr A G Irving, Director of Health for Blackpool at the time, telling of the appalling poverty and hoped the report would "stir some consciences." The report went on to hope that by 2000 there would be a great move forward to end poverty.

People had the illusion that the New Labour government of 1997 would be sort of "Robin Hood" type of government. It's turned out more of a "Sheriff of Nottingham" type, ardent privatisers running the manor, treating even their own rank and file Labour councillors as of little significance when they claim extra resources for the area.

Why are we not seeing more of our elected officials standing up to this government and demanding more for Blackpool?

Those keeping their heads down and muttering privately while doing nothing are equally responsible because it is their silence which makes this poverty possible. How far removed are New Labour leaders, councillors and officialdom from the original ideals of the pioneers of the Labour movement in Britain.

We might also hear a bit more of our two local MPs speaking out, instead of their sycophantic support for the government on every issue. One of the most sickening moves of late must be our two MPs voting themselves a pay rise of £77 a week, to add to their weekly wage of £1,038.

It might be time for local folk to switch off the telly, get off their bums and start asking questions.

Royston Jones, Fitzroy Road, Blackpool.