AND they're off. The launch of the York Labour Party manifesto effectively starts the local election campaign, which promises to be one of the most closely contested for years.

Labour must scrap for every vote going. Clinging to power by a single seat, the group has been hit by problems both within and outside its control.

How much lasting harm was caused by the high profile court cases involving the previous council leader remains to be seen. Arguably more damaging are the council tax hike and the fiasco in which Labour broke a previous election pledge to provide a computer in the home of every York primary school pupil.

For all this, it could be the "war on terror" which poses the biggest threat to Labour's control of City of York Council. The local elections are a handy platform for a protest vote against Tony Blair's hawkish stance on Iraq.

It would be very unfortunate if the May poll was decided on global issues. York is facing some crucial decisions in the next few years. Voters have a precious opportunity to weigh up each party's vision for the city's future, before choosing which one they most believe in.

Coun Dave Merrett's proposals to improve the quality of local life range from the grand - an upgrade of the northern ring road; to the basic - named council officers responsible for keeping the streets clean.

The manifesto seeks ways to relieve the increasing pressures on York through traffic schemes and affordable housing.

Now voters will be waiting to see the blueprint for the city put forward by Labour's rivals for council control, the Liberal Democrats.

It promises to be a fascinating battle for the hearts and minds of the York electorate. The intensity of the competition will hopefully provide a genuine choice for voters. Although the campaign will be hard fought, we urge councillors to keep it positive and avoid the sort of mud-slinging which has put so many people off politics.

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, March 13, 2003