In response to the Liberal Democrat Leader praising Liverpool's Liberal Democrat policies. To put the record straight, the alleygating was started in Liverpool when Labour was in control and was funded by a Labour Government under Neighbourhood Renewal funding, not the Liberal Democrat Council, as is claimed. St Helens Council is providing alleygating across the borough.

With reference to crime and disorder, Liverpool has reduced the staff in its Anti Social Behaviour unit down to three. Comparing city with city, in the last three years, Liverpool has imposed approximately 16 Anti-Social Behaviour Orders compared to over 400 in Labour controlled Manchester. This does not suggest a commitment to tackling the problem.

In the last two years, Liverpool Liberal Democrats have cut £17 million from their Social Services budget, have closed Elderly Person's Homes and made massive cuts to the Youth Service. Their Housing Repairs Service is also in a state of collapse.

On Council tax, Liverpool's Liberal Democrat controlled Council are 108 places higher than St Helens in the Council tax list.

Liverpool Lib Dems have been trying to take over the running of St Helens Council's services from its call centre.

I, as leader, have fought hard to stop this and as you know, we now have our own excellent call centre up and running.

Are the above the policies ones you want implementing in St Helens, because that is your choice.

Councillor Marie Rimmer, Labour leader St Helens Council