THE Audit Commission recently published a league table of local councils, grading the services that they provide. The good news is that Bolton was graded "excellent", which is a credit tothe officers and staff who work for Bolton Council.

The national picture reveals that Conservative councils achieve the highest scores and deliver the best quality local services. Conservative-run councils have the highest "overall service" scores, averaging 3.3 out of 4, compared to 2.9 for Labour councils, and 3.0 for LibDem councils.

Nationally, Conservative councils are more likely to be ranked as "excellent", the highest grade. Twenty-six per cent of Conservative councils were graded "excellent", compared to 20 per cent of Labour councils, with Liberal Democrat-controlled councils trailing in a very poor third place, with no councils being graded as excellent.

Come June 2004, when Bolton residents have a chance to kick out this lacklustre and tired Labour Executive who seem more concerned with image changes rather than substantial improvements and changes, the only true and credible alternative is the Conservatives.

Cllr Andy Morgan

(Hulton Park Ward)