| Conservatives running West Berkshire Council have been lambasted by rival Liberal Democrats for delaying the £900,000 refubishment of Newbury’s Market Place, a u-turn on cinema funding, and for delaying too many planned projects for the district.
Opposition leader Jeff Brooks named 10 failures “during the first 100 days” he said contrasted with the 14 years of successful leadership under the Liberal Democrats – who were kicked out by a by-election in Thatcham.
Cllr Brooks said: "Since winning power Conservative policies have provoked unease and dissatisfaction locally. They have come under fire from a range of local people from local traders to the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education. West Berkshire needs firm positive leadership that listens to local people; I am willing to give that leadership.
“Liberal Democrats are eager to consult and listen to local people. In the coming months we will be developing our manifesto for the 2007 elections and are open to ideas from everyone regardless of political persuasion. I want to hear from people who would like to be involved in our victory as well as all others who have ideas on how to further improve West Berkshire.”
But council leader Graham Jones pointed to better school meals, higher rates of recycling and reducing red tape as early examples of success.
He said: “We are now on day 144 not 100. No wonder budgeting went so wrong under the Liberal Democrats. When in power, they were more interested in spin than delivery. In opposition, they resort to smear, distortion and personal abuse. This underlines why they were turfed out by the electors of North Thatcham.
He added: “This is a dodgy sexed up dossier.” | 
