Says Simon Archer in Hatfield

10.35.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd May 2007

The Liberal Democrats offer a distinctive vision of how local government can work, just look at our record here in Welwyn-Hatfield, and in other districts of Hertfordshire which we already control.

Our vision is of a co-operative approach to local politics, working with our opponents wherever possible; for example on the hospital campaign, fighting the government over the East of England Plan, or fighting the county over the closure of New Briars School.

We try to use our powers of scrutiny to keep the Tories in check, rather than trading insults.

We will ensure the Tory council get the message on:

• Recycling - a new green logo seems more important to the Tories than green

policy.

• Local schools - they should have defended New Briars School, not wielded

the axe.

Labour has also let us down time and time again: the Hatfield Hospital, all those extra houses, stealth taxes on rail fares, a doubling of the income tax rate for the lower paid, and on Iraq. Elsewhere in Hertfordshire, Liberal Democrats consistently give more for less. Council tax rises in 2006 and 2007 in LibDem-held Watford, Three Rivers and

St Albans average half those of the Tory controlled councils in Hertfordshire. And Three Rivers is the best performing council in the county. The Liberal Democrats provide a REAL and truly green alternative to the

NewToryLabour establishment.