I have recently observed a dramatic change in the behaviour of the Labour-controlled Lancaster City Council; through the local newspapers. The introduction of schemes such as 'Listen to Lancaster', the 'Book of Rights' and most significantly the scrapping of the appalling, trade destroying, voucher parking scheme; represent a dramatic move away from the previous approaches. I send my congratulations to the Labour group. Well done, for sending out positive propaganda for the forthcoming elections. However, Labour cannot believe that the electorate will be tricked by such small and false gestures. Local people will not forget what they have done to this district. For all the years of Labour control in Lancaster the area has been subject to rapid decline.

Taxpayers have suffered through incompetence; the Blobby fiasco alone cost £2 million. The tremendous potential of the Lancaster area as a tourist centre has not been exploited effectively; and business has been driven away by a council that does not understand its needs.

The rejuvenation of this area, which Labour seems to to have revelled in destroying, is essential. Lancaster needs a new approach combining all the of the qualities that this district requires: business experience, common sense, compassion and an understanding of local requirements.

Mr A Bowe

King's Arcade

Lancaster

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