HAVING watched the recent performance of the leading group on Lancaster City Council I have begun to wonder if Lancaster should apply to be twinned with 'Elm Street' as the council does seem to be having more than its share of nightmares. In addition to the issues that have been well discussed in these columns (Bubbles, the new bus station, failed festivals etc.) we continue to see the MBI's drag Lancaster & Morecambe further and further into the mire.

We see from the MBI's one panic decision after another and it is clear that next year Council Tax rates will rise whilst services will be cut. The public in the district should be clear about what this means - it means that we will all pay more of our hard earned money to the council in return for fewer services. It is easy to predict where these cuts will begin - they will cut services to the poorest people and those without a voice - I predict that over the coming months cuts will be made to services for the homeless and to the elderly - it is a cowardly Council who cuts services to the most vulnerable but that will not stop them.

The MBI's have been alarmingly absent in the letters columns of the local press - it would seem that they can't even be bothered to defend their foolish actions. One of the few contributions was from Cllr Broad who really just wanted us to know what a hard time she has - well, Cllr Broad, the answer is simple, stand down! In fact, persuade your MBI colleagues to do the same and give the whole district an early Christmas present.

I recently rang the MBI office at the Town Hall and was told by a helpful assistant that the MBI's were 'out to lunch'. I wasn't sure if the young woman was speaking figuratively or literally but it did put a smile on my face for some days.

Ardal