I AM pleased that the Tory Party has now published its manifesto.

Worcester people can now see exactly how much a Tory Government would directly cost every Worcester resident.

Their intention to cut and slash public services is now clear. In Worcester, 16,334 pensioners would lose their winter fuel payments and 6,840 households with someone over 75 would lose their free TV licenses.

Their cuts in health spending would mean a reduction of 30 doctors and 60 nurses in Worcester alone. Their promise to axe the New Deal is a disgrace - the New Deal has reduced Worcester unemployment by 34.8 per cent since 1997.

In education, their cuts would mean 60 teachers losing their jobs and at least one school closing in Worcester. One hundred and fifty-two childcare places would also fall under the Tory axe in the city.

The Tory Party has given Worcester people a choice - cuts which hurt ordinary people - or the Labour Party which will continue to provide hope and opportunity for all our people. I know what I prefer.

RICHARD UDALL,

Councillor,

Worcester City Council.