I WOULD like to say a big thank you to the Citizen for not toeing the council line on local issues.

What you read in some of the other local papers is quite astonishing. They would have you believe that everything in the district is all sweetness and light.

Yes, the Labour group is better than the former Conservative administration (it was difficult to see how anyone could do any worse) but that does not mean they are beyond reproach.

I, like many other residents, moved to Lancaster to enjoy the quality of life that was here but councillors seem to think we should sit back and applaud as the city becomes just another noisy, shabby and congested urban development.

Why are Labour councillors so quick to court private enterprise above the real needs of ordinary people? Why do they bend over backwards for big out-of-town developers yet make life difficult for local traders?

They will tell you that times have changed and that it is essential to attract investment. But what price development, especially when it's done on the cheap?

Come on councillors, I'm a natural Labour supporter but what I'd like to see is some imagination and innovation not selling the city's spirit down the river in the name of progress.

Concerned observer,

Castle ward,

Lancaster.

I couldn't agree more but the views of people like yourself and others can change councillors' minds if you let then know how you feel and keep on at them - they are there to represent you! Yes it is amazing what you read in some local papers, at the award-winning Lancaster Guardian for example they would have you believe they were first with the news about the town clerk fiasco (as we all know they weren't) - and last week it described the allowance issue as 'controversial' when previous reports in the paper suggested nothing of the sort... better late then never I suppose and well worth coughing up ten bob for! - Ed.

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