Tomorrow, York will go the polls in a landmark election that will determine who runs the city for the next four years.

GAVIN AITCHISON reports as the campaigning nears its conclusion, and as the four mainstream party leaders have their final say.


John Galvin, Conservatives

John Galvin, of the Conservative Party, said: "We feel passionately that the residents of the city of York have a greater say in the management of their community. A Conservative council will deliver a more efficient council and one that will ensure better value for money, whilst at the same time improving the quality of life for everyone in this unique and beautiful city in which we all live.

"Our policies as outlined in our manifesto are deliverable and offer the residents of York real hope for the future.

"We will introduce a dental service for all primary school children within the current council budget; we will give over-65s a reduction in their council tax; we will pursue the provision of a county standard swimming pool in a location that is easily accessible to all; we will press the Government to fund the upgrading of the outer ring road to a dual carriageway; and we will work hard with the police and all associated agencies to bear down heavily on crime and anti social behaviour.

"These are but a few of our pledges. There are others which will improve the quality of life for all.

"Finally we will be competent, honest and open with residents. We will not let down the residents of York, for they have been seriously let down by the Lib Dems who promised so much and delivered so little. We will not waste your money, for yet again much has been wasted in the past four years by this grossly incompetent and discredited council."


Steve Galloway, Liberal Democrats

Steve Galloway, of the Liberal Democrats said: "Our prudent use of taxpayers' money led the independent District Auditor in March to comment: You have sustained a strong focus on value for money, with very good performance across a range of services service costs are in line with the lowest spending councils nationally.' "Innovation and quality are our watchwords. Hand sweeping of the streets, increased recycling rates, sustainable buildings, modern social services, improved public transport and consistently good exam results, have been amongst the highlights of Liberal Democrat years of influence at The Guildhall.

"Our opponents have made some reckless election claims involving reducing charges, spending millions on highways improvements or taking over expenditure from the NHS. Most residents will look behind such promises and ask how will these be paid for?' "Our proposals, included in the council's three-year budget plan, include provision of three new secondary schools; continued easy access to top quality social care facilities for the elderly and disabled; accelerated footpath and road resurfacing; protection of the green belt; a new sports stadium; additional woodland with better park and play facilities; two new swimming pools plus refurbishment of the Yearsley pool.

"Despite the transformation of the city's economy, low unemployment levels have been sustained over the last four years. The city's prosperity remains our top priority for the future.

"Development at Hungate, Terry's and Nestlé South will provide more than 1,000 new jobs and homes. More will follow at the University, Barbican, British Sugar and York central sites.

"We'll provide good quality public services. Council tax levels will remain the lowest in the region.

"And you can expect to read more headlines like the one you saw in February: York crime rates hit record low.'


Dave Merrett, Labour

Dave Merrett, of the Labour Party, said: "The one common message from York residents on the door is how let down they feel by this outgoing Liberal Democrat council. Firstly, residents said they felt punished when the Lib Dems introduced evening car park charges and, with Green Party support, doubled Respark charges.

"If elected, Labour will abolish these immensely unfair evening car parking charges for residents and cut the basic Respark and visitor charges by 25 per cent.

"Secondly, local people are appalled at the closure and sale of the Barbican Pool, and now the Yearsley closure over the summer holidays - the lack of public swimming and sports facilities in York is a major issue.

"Labour will produce a new long term sports and leisure strategy for the city to deliver a proper range of facilities fit for a city the size of York in the 21st century, including a replacement for the Barbican Pool.

"Thirdly, the lack of affordable housing in the city, both for purchase and for renting, is a major issue for young people, their parents, and particularly for those wanting to start a family. Despite this, the Lib Dems and Greens want to cut new housing.

"Labour will increase both the number of affordable homes and family housing with gardens - there are too many unaffordable buy-to-let flats being built. Finally, residents in terraces and flats have complained about the Lib Dems' failure to deliver their promised doorstep recycling, and in the alternate weekly collected areas, many households say the black bin is too small for residual waste. Labour will roll out recycling to all terraced and flatted areas, and address the black bin size problem for families with kids."


Andy D'Agorne, Green Party

Andy D'Agorne, of the Green Party, said: "All parties want your vote and the opportunity to progress their policies. For the Green Party, a key priority is balancing quality of life now with that of future generations - globally and locally. Another priority is keeping York special - historic features, parks and strays, small shops, child-friendly, safe, attractive, vibrant, sustainable. Making it easy to reduce waste, save energy, keep healthy, cut car use, cycle, walk and use buses helps everyone as well as our planet.

"There are Green candidates in every York ward. Electing more Green councillors will help break the oppositional two party situation, potentially creating a council where no single party dominates. Greens want to ensure more cross-party consensus working on key environmental challenges such as waste and transport. Our growing voice on the council can hold other parties and the council machine to account to you, the electorate.

"Green councillors have secured a council voice opposing GM food, ID cards, fluoridation, nuclear power, yet have also got stuck into dealing with parking issues, defending local bus services, getting grass cut and lights repaired. We were the only political party to present evidence against developers at the inquiries into Germany Beck and Heslington East - questioning the need and location as well as challenging on sustainability issues such as insulation standards and flood impact. We are NOT a single issue party, and work hard for local people.

"It's hard work for a small committed group, but your future and our children's future depends on us all working together. Climate change will only be seriously addressed by political action: WE are the party to deliver it."