IN DECEMBER 1998, Cllr Spencer hurled wild accusations at Cllr Walsh ("the opposition"). "He wants to throw people out on the streets", he declared insisting that other cities and towns too had problems with rent arrears.

He did not add that this is probably due to the same brand of politicians allowing some tenants free drinks and extra holidays at the enforced expense of others who, in many cases, are financially no better off.

The year 1999 began with Cllr Spencer's claim that his housing department is now getting tough with anti-social tenant behaviour. Alas, his own statistics tell another story entirely. And so the new year began as the old one ended, with many words and little action. Litter will still be dumped by louts who, in all regularity, do not pay for its removal. The police force will be needed to deal with many characters who rarely contribute to its upkeep, and unsocial tenants will continue to be just that, often without having to worry about who pays their rent and rates. And it is genuine Labour folk that will be made to suffer these shilly-shally town hall policies the most.

B Stuart

Lord's Stile Lane, Bromley Cross

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