THE publication of the Audit Commission's report has confirmed what we in Bury have known for a long time, that the quality of the services provided by our Labour-dominated council, particularly in the fields of housing and environment, are "weak". No doubt the citizens of Bury who have to endure these "services" would use a stronger word.

Over the past five years, we have seen our council tax bills rise by more than 49 per cent, well in excess of the rate of inflation, while there has been a visible deterioration in the quality of the services provided. So much for "Best Value".

The Commission's report considers education to be one of the few quality services provided, but one wonders how much longer this "jewel in the crown" will survive unscathed, given the current programme of school closures.

At least the council's future performance will be monitored and it is under notice that unless major improvements are made, it will face "targeted inspections". The Audit Commission's report identifies councils which cannot be trusted to spend our money wisely and must ensure that incompetent councils, such as Bury's, will not be allowed to follow their usual profligate ways and throw good money after bad.

This damning indictment of Bury's Labour council boils down to a matter of individual competence, and this should be at the forefront of voters' minds in next May's elections. The sooner Councillor Byrne and his colleagues vacate the town hall, the better.

ROGER THOMPSON