THE Labour Party in Leigh last night claimed a huge vote of confidence in their £150 million Xanadu snowdome complex after retaining control of all wards.

But the Green Party, fielding candidates in all seats, say the Hope Carr vote, which saw Labour's Kevin Anderson returned, was a "no" vote for the project.

The Green's Chris Maile, who increased his vote from a by-election last year, said : "How can they claim a victory for Xanadu when more people voted against Labour? Both the opposition parties were standing against Xanadu."

Labour leader Peter Smith was jubilant about the evening's results, seen as a mini-referendum on the leisure project.

"The people in this part of the borough have today had their chance to say what they think about Xanadu," he said.

"It's now up to Labour councillors to make sure that all the benefits in terms of jobs, and the chance for access to such a wonderful facility, filters down to the people of Leigh and district."

After the count, Chris Maile said his party had complained about the conduct of Labour supporters at several polling stations.

Returning Officer Stephen Jones said complaints should have been made during the day.

The new constitution of the council is Labour 70, Lib Dems 1 and Independent Labour 1.

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