WITH reference to Hyndburn Labour councillors Jean Battle and Pam Barton (Letters, June 30) highlighting empty properties, it is quite convenient to ask questions now, but let us not forget that it was under the last Labour administration that grants were given on these properties.

As in most areas, the Tory administration is now having to put right 13 years of Labour mismanagement, with housing being only one aspect. We will need more than 14 months to put right Labour bungling.

As for them saying I should thank the Government, Hyndburn has nothing to thank this government for. The allocation of government money from single regeneration budget 5 collapsed and SRB6 is still up in the air.

I am sure that our pensioners are not thankful for their 75p increase this year or motorists for the 30 per cent increase in fuel prices since 1997, or for police numbers being reduced by 1,700 and the increased hospital waiting list.

I am also sure that people in Hyndburn are over the moon about the way Labour-run Lancashire County Council has destroyed the social services provision for the elderly and the education system that now sends kids all over the area to get their education.

And let's not forget them having gridlocked Hyndburn's roads with their Quality Bus Lanes. When a bus stops, so does Hyndburn.

JOHN FARRER, Mallard Place, Oswaldtwistle.