BY CLAIMING he took “a city in stagnation onto the path to prosperity”, James Alexander shows the arrogance and hyperbole that has characterised his time as council leader (The Press, November 20).

His assessment of his period in office says nothing about the botched Lendal Bridge trial, attempts to sell-off Union Terrace, closure of Beckfield Lane, loss of frontline services or planned cuts to Yearsley Pool and Castlegate.

On his supposed achievements, he fails to mention that it was under the Liberal Democrat council that construction work began on York’s first new council houses in over 20 years.

Or that York has benefited from a national trend of falling unemployment or that it was under the Lib Dems that the Hungate site was cleared and made possible for employment use by Hiscox.

And on transport, he fails to mention that plans for new park and ride sites were put in place in 2008 and have only been made possible by investment from national government.

Whoever takes over from Cllr Alexander, let’s hope not just for a change in policy but also a change in style so a more honest picture is given to residents.

Cllr Ann Reid, Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Grassholme, Woodthorpe, York.