WE have heard a lot over recent months about the Tories cutting costs in the local district council, they have certainly cut services that benefits you the resident. The question is why? And will it result in a net saving in the end?

The district council has an annual total budget requirement of £10m and on May 4 the Liberal Democrats passed over a total cash position of £50.5m to the Tories when they took power. In addition in the six years the Liberal Democrats led the district council the council tax levied for its own uses dropped by 10% plus inflation. This was achieved by selling off the council houses to South Warwickshire Housing Association and by prudent expenditure and investments.

My own message to the Tories is that their methods are 15 years out of date.

In the early 1980s I earned a living by taking costs out of fat British companies but now the position has changed. Most companies are now slim and I earn a living by running the business when management has cut too deep and it needs pulling out of chaos.

Let's all keep our eye on that £50.5m cash position as we watch the Tories and remember we expect to see our services maintained and district council tax cut.

RON COCKINGS, Liberal Democrat District Councillor, Guild Ward, Shottery, Stratford.