LAST May, Labour said, "it is time for a change".

But, one year on, nowhere in Britain is in need of a change more urgently than in local government.

It is certainly true that, here in Bolton, we are urgently in need of a change. A change from the high spending lack of commitment to quality services. A change from the Labour-controlled council to a Conservative-controlled council.

Conservatives make clear promises:

Services will be increased in quality.

The interests of resident taxpayers come first, not the interests of the people providing the service.

The high level of Council Tax will, in fact, be reduced.

For far too long, we have seen an increase in litter all around our town centres, and along main roads that lead into the various town centres.

How many people have walked along the pavements without either tripping up, or paving slabs moving with the resultant stream of water wetting legs, shooting up trousers etc?

Some may feel this is a flippant comment, but in fact it is very serious, in particular to the elderly.

The level of Council Tax in Bolton is far, far above the average.

The average level of Council Tax for Band D throughout the country is, Labour £793, Lib Dem £710, Conservative £616. In Bolton Band D is £845.39 without parish precepts.

Labour has been in control of Bolton for far too long. Power has gone to their head, there is total arrogance in their attitude.

The Labour party, both nationally and locally, are creating a "Nanny State", and as a result we are being told how to live, to think with political correctness.

You may ask: "Well, what about the Lib Dems?" Well, what about them?

Fact - in every vote concerning the finances of Bolton, the Lib Dems have either voted with Labour or for higher increases, and totally opposed quality services, increased efficiences, and lower Council Tax proposed by the Conservative Group.

In town halls across Britain, it is time for a change, a time for a change from the high-spending Labour council to a Conservative council that promises higher quality service, a listening not a lecturing council, and a council that will put the interests of taxpayers first, together with a reduction in the level of tax.?

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.