MR Tom Tyler may not be a member of the Conservative Party, but it seems strange that he perpetuates myths that they have created, but which have no basis in fact.
He alleges that the Monks Cross sports complex was a gigantic fiasco which cost £9m and that councillors should resign. The fact is that it cost £7.975m of which £2m came from planning gain and the rugby club. It was delivered to budget, much to the relief of the councillor who proposed it, Conservative councillor Charles Scott. Its transfer to the private sector was a result of the Conservative decision to transfer southern Ryedale into the City of York: the Labour party had run up such enormous debt there that they could not afford to run it themselves under the auspices of the city council. However, it is very well used - far from a fiasco. He also claimed that "we the poor benighted ratepayers are continuing to pay for it" - a ridiculous assertion since it was paid for in full and there was no residual liability to Ryedale whatsoever.
He also has asserted that when the Liberal Democrats were influential on Ryedale DC the council was badly run, gave poor standards of service and was criticised by the Audit Commission. This is absolutely disproved by the facts.
The Liberal Democrats were the largest party at Ryedale from 1987 to 1996. During that time the council won no less than 16 regional or national awards for the quality of its services. Public approval rating was over 85pc and between 80 to 93pc of residents in wards destined to be transferred into York voted to stay in Ryedale - hardly indicative of poor services. Finally, none of the Audit Commission reports from 1988 to 1995 have criticism of the council's strategy. In 1995, even allowing for the costs of the Monks Cross complex, the council was debt-free with assets of over £12m.
Since 15 Lib Dem councillors were moved into York, Conservative influence has increased: this has coincided with a fall in approval ratings and far fewer awards for quality services. Last year the Conservatives were voted out of the major chairs by the other groups: hardly a vote of confidence!
So perhaps before Mr Tyler contributes again, he ought to make sure of his facts and stop misleading the public with his baseless assertions.
TONY FISHER
Chairman Ryedale Lib Dems
Strensall, York
Updated: 12:14 Thursday, March 07, 2002
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