LIBERAL Democrats were last night preparing for a new era in local politics after their success in taking control of Durham City Council.

But leader Sue Pitts warned the public there would be no quick-fixes after accusing the outgoing Labour regime of operating "something of a scorched earth policy" in their last few weeks in power.

The 30 successful Lib Dem candidates gathered for a meeting at the town hall last night when they were congratulated by the party's deputy leader, Berwick MP Alan Beith.

The Lib Dems ended the 20-year Labour grip on the town hall, after gaining 17 seats, following it yesterday with further successes when the results were announced for the city's 14 parish councils.

After declaring that Labour was "wiped out in Durham", Ms Pitts said she wanted to scrutinise the council books closely before any decisions were made over the future direction the council should take.

The Lib Dems do not officially take control in Durham until the annual meeting of the council takes place, on May 20.

Ms Pitts said: "I have instructed the chief executive to sign nothing.

"No contract is to be signed, no agreement is to be made and no compact is to be made.

"It's worth saying they have been running a scorched earth policy and have left us with very little.

"Labour has been so arrogant and complacent. They didn't listen and care.

"We know what the people want. We have carried out surveys in the district.

The funds are bad, the assets have been sold off, the staff are demoralised and there's a real negative picture, so we are starting from way back from where we should be."