"TEN TORY TURKEYS"

6.52.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Apr 2003

Serge Lourie, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition on the LB Richmond upon Thames, has issued his report on what the new Tory administration has achieved in its first year in power.

"We found the defeat last year very hard to take, but have entirely accepted that local people had become tired of the Liberal Democrats and wanted a change. My concern is that local services are being damaged under the new administration."

"The Conservatives used to be an irresponsible opposition and this has caught up with them in power. They have realised that it is far harder to run the Council than they thought. So what have they achieved? These are my ten Tory Turkeys:"

"1) 15.6% was the largest increase in local tax since the last Tory budget of 1983/84. This has transformed the borough from having the 45th highest council tax in England to fourth highest;"

"2) Built up reserves with local residents' money to an expected £18 million in March 2004. Each Council Tax payer is paying between £66 and £132 more than is necessary to maintain services but the Council has not spent the £2 million for improving the local infrastructure (parks, buildings, roads) put in last year's budget by the Liberal Democrats;"

"3) Failed to secure much needed investment of £60 million in schools by delays caused by obsession with a sixth form in every secondary school;"

"4) Increased the cost of attendance at day centres from £12 per annum to £5 per visit;"

"5) Agreed savings that will mean the closure of one day centre, probably Barnes;"

"6) Agreed the closure of all the public conveniences whilst promoting tourism;"

"7) Erased the concept of sustainability from all Council documents and thinking;"

"8) Provided all Council Tax payers, even non-drivers, with ten half hour parking vouchers which cannot be used in central Richmond or Twickenham at a cost of £280,000;"

"9) Launched a war on bus lanes and road safety measures;"

"10) Made it easier for numerous open spaces and allotments to be built on by the removal of Metropolitan Open Land designations;"

"I am sure that local residents can think of many more Tory Turkeys."

"In summary, the Tories have achieved nothing positive. It has been all negative. But they have built up a large war chest for future elections"

"For further information, contact Serge Lourie on 020 8876 7368 (home); 07958 589589 (mobile); 020 7828 6288 (office)