THE Shadow Social Security Minister has condemned the Labour-run borough council's spending on town centre art works arguing that the Tories 'value people over sculptures'.

David Willetts visited Undercliffe House on Dingleway, Appleton, to talk with elderly residents and outline the Conservative policy on pensions.

He also answered some tough questions from the residents who quizzed him on where the money for extra pension provision would come from and about long-term care for the elderly.

He was also asked about the rise in juvenile crime.

He said: "Juvenile crime is often down to how society has brought up some youngsters and the well-intentioned lefties have introduced legislation which makes it difficult to protect our property and person."

He said the Tories wanted to see more police on the streets and cut back the red tape.

He later condemned the Labour council's spending of the money from the sale of 3C Waste, which has seen £5 million spent on the arts centre and town centre development in comparison with .

He said: "It seems to be a very odd priority. The important thing is to look after people and it should be people not things who really need help.

"We value people over sculptures. It sounds like a typical loony Labour council."