MRS J Cottrell (Letters, December 7) claims to be a spectator of the manoeuvres of Hyndburn Council, but shows a poor understanding of how it was both innovative and strategic in its operations and policy when under Labour control.

Does she know, for instance, that, but for the foresight of the Labour council, the cinema complex would never have seen the light of day?

Labour created Globe Enterprises Ltd, bringing in many hundreds of jobs to underpin our fragile manufacturing sector, and has allowed the Tories to borrow on the collateral of Globe Enterprises to build the cinema.

If I just list a number of ideas and outcomes Labour achieved or set in motion, perhaps Mrs Cottrell will be kind enough to admit she is wrong and realise the Tories are lacking in strategic forethought and are not setting in place the building blocks of the future.

1. Accrington Market Square development

2. Inland Revenue offices for East Lancashire

3. Eastgate retail park

4. Haworth Art Gallery lottery bid

5. Aldi in Accrington

6. Dual use of Prime Time in Rishton

7. New supermarket in Great Harwood

8. Refurbishment of children's playgrounds

9. Leisure passport scheme

10. Summer access playschemes

These are but a few, but I think they sum up the difference. The Tories are all hot air -- Labour gives you substance and a remarkable record of achievement.

As to the future, you will have to be patient and wait for our manifesto for next May's elections. It will contain strategic issues and building blocks for the future, not just the froth of the flicks.

COUNCILLOR IAN ORMEROD, Labour group leader, Hyndburn Council.