THERE has been a five-month campaign to protect the levels of care provided to the home residents. For most of that time we were advised residents had more legal rights than the staff.

Some campaigners were advised by Labour Party sources to avoid being party political. Hence, I agreed to help establish CARE with people from all political backgrounds. Coun Bancroft thought this would weaken and split campaigners. He was shocked by the consistent and intelligent campaign from CARE and others to save the care homes.

In recent weeks the focus has changed to helping the staff establish a co-operative. It appears the best way to maintain the quality of care the residents deserve.

Here is a quote from the council letter to staff. Those "who wish to join the Co-operative...will be outside of the recruitment process for the four council homes".

Coun Bancroft should not blame me for how staff reacted to that letter. I simply informed Citizen readers of their concerns. I wish I could do more, but I am powerless.

However, the most powerful politician in Blackpool has accused me of being political. He makes it sound like a crime to be active in local politics. In fact I am very proud to have been elected as Chairman of Blackpool, Cleveleys and Fleetwood Liberal Democrats. I recall the local Labour Party for years used the phrase "protecting jobs, defending services". If that is not part of New Labour, then I hope local Liberal Democrats are willing to take up that banner.

Along with all the staff and relatives who have contacted me, I do feel that Blackpool Social Services is run by ruthless people. I personally promise to campaign until that leadership changes, however many months or years it takes.

Did Coun Bancroft defend his inaccurate and misleading statements made during the first two months of our campaign? Or respond to three pages of serious concerns sent to him by my colleague Coun Jon Bamborough?

What we get from our council leader are ramblings and diversions about suits of armour, the Middle East, the Balkans and Anchorsholme Library.

Coun George Bancroft, you failed again to defend your actions.

Steven Bate,

Ashfield Road, Blackpool.