LABOUR council leader Cllr Cliff Morris has launched his party’s local election campaign by saying only a Labour council is able to protect frontline services while achieving savings.

Since taking over as council leader in 2007, Cllr Morris says he is proud of what he has achieved in Bolton, even if he has had to take difficult decisions.

Cllr Morris said: “Over the last three years we have worked hard to always put the interests of local people first and even when we have had to take tough or unpopular decisions we have striven to be fair and even handed.”

Town hall finance chiefs have already warned that the authority will have to make savage cuts over the next few years, with Cllr Morris said: “We all know that the next couple of years are going to be difficult as the economy continues its growth. All public services, including the council, will have to make efficiency savings to help play our part in bringing down the country’s budget deficit.

“I believe that only a Labour Council is able to achieve the savings required whilst protecting front-line services and safeguarding the progress that has been made.”

Looking back over the last 13 years of a Labour Government, Cllr Morris says he believes life has improved for Bolton residents.

He said: “By working together with local people and other local organisations such as the police, Bolton has become better under Labour.

“Crime is down, schools are getting better, our streets are cleaner and all of this has been achieved whilst keeping council tax to a minimum of around one per cent over the last three years.”

Not wanting to rest on his laurels, the staunch Labour man is keen to ensure the investment in education continues in the years to come, with only his party able to guarantee it.

He said: “We want the chance to build upon this success and continue to improve the quality of life for everyone in Bolton. If re-elected we will invest an extra £3m into our roads, so badly damaged by the winter weather and £150m into building and refurbishing many of our secondary schools to improve educational attainment.

“The Conservative Shadow Chancellor has said this investment is not guaranteed if they win the election. Under a Labour government it will be guaranteed.

“A further Labour promise is to continue our £1 school meal for all primary school children, helping hard working families and improving the health of our children.”

● Tomorrow: John Walsh, The Conservatives