Gazette letter - Tory policies pre-1997

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Sep 2004

Dear Editor,

Mr. Steen might like to forget the policies introduced by the Conservative Government before 1997 (Gazette 3rd. September 2004) but, unfortunately, we still have to live with the consequences.

Underfunding of schools, the NHS and the police left our public services in tatters. Underinvestment in public transport has left our railways in a very sorry state. The sale of council houses without reinvesting the proceeds in new houses exacerbated the housing crisis we now find ourselves in. The list is endless.

Current Conservative proposals for our public services inspire little confidence with the best being reserved for those that have the financial means. As for Government help to build new houses I fear South Devon will be no better off than under the present Labour Government.

When people go to the polls in the coming months they will very much remember the years before 1997 and know that a leopard does not change its spots.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Treleaven