HAVING read Ann Raymond’s (LibDem) letter criticising Maureen McLaughlin (Lab) about ward issues, Guardian, March 31, I regret she had trouble reading.

Instead of honesty she has gone in for a pointless attack on a credible challenger, and an unconvincing cover-up for all the national and local attacks on the poorest in our ward.

Mrs McLaughlin covered some of the following issues in her recent letter, but let me add a few more of my own: Increase in VAT – ward issue, cuts to the voluntary sector – ward issue, increased bus fares for elderly and disabled – ward issue, cuts to the Connexions service – ward issue, attempted sell-off of Walton Hall where many people in our ward enjoy days out – ward issue, increases in tuition fees – ward issue, police budget cut – ward issue, trebling of university tuition fees – ward issue, new i-Pads for council officials – waste of taxpayers’ money – ward issue.

All of these policies directly affect many people in this ward.

What other policies have this coalition got in the pipeline that will impact the poorest in society?

Surely now it is time that those few Lib-Dems in Government cast off their cloaks of power. Even if they are unable to see that they are wearing the Emperor’s new clothes, the local electorate can and they will not forget.

MRS S PRICE Latchford