LOCAL democracy works. That is the heartening conclusion from last night's fraught City of York Council meeting.

Three of the issues that have caused widespread anxiety and anger were back before councillors: the future of the swimming pools, hikes in home care charges and the links between Fulford School and its feeder schools. But this time it was different. This time the campaigners' message was not just endured, it was heard, and the council performed a triple U-turn.

Instead of deciding which pool to close, the council is to consider how to save both Yearsley and Barbican baths. Inflation-busting increases in home care charges to the elderly have been replaced by rises of just 1.1 per cent. And the long-standing link between Dunnington and Elvington and Fulford School has been restored.

It was quite a remarkable reversal. After doggedly pursuing these policies in the face of growing public resentment, the Labour group has been defeated on all three.

This is a timely lesson in humility for Labour. It seemed that the party had begun to believe it was above the people it was elected to serve. Members were so sure of their grip on power that they obstinately pressed ahead with flawed and unpopular policies.

The "listening council" ignored the outcry and, in so doing, failed to heed a political fundamental: a neglected electorate is an angry electorate. Labour lost both by-elections, overall control of the council - and has now been defeated in the chamber.

People power is a formidable force. Despite the political odds being stacked against them, protesters refused to go away. It is their determination that has won a reprieve on the pools, a cut in home care costs and the Fulford School links.

The fact that one pool campaigner was heckled by Labour councillors suggests that they are still not ready to listen. If they are to make this hung council work, this attitude must change, and soon.