LABOUR group leader Councillor John Williams has outlined his party's pledges to the people of Darlington.

He says: "Darlington has the lowest council tax in the North-East. But it is not just the lowest council tax in the region, it is value for money for Darlington residents.

"That is because it is being spent sensibly by a committed and experienced Labour council helping to build a better Darlington for everyone, with safer communities and falling crime, with the promise of more jobs, all in a relaxing and healthy environment.

"But Darlington people want to know what Labour will deliver in Darlington.

"We will continue our crackdown on street crime and litter. Our anti-litter and dog-fouling campaign is working and we want to do more.

"CCTV has led to more than 3,000 arrests - we now have 95 cameras. We will continue to name and shame offenders. Our tough enforcement policy has led to more than 250 convictions. We want to extend the naming and shaming of the guilty.

"We will provide more street wardens. People need to feel safe, not only from crime but from the fear of crime.

"We will build more schools. We will build an education village at Haughton - the first of its kind in England. Having built a school at Firthmoor, we will build schools at Skerne Park, Harrowgate Hill Infants, Alderman Leach and Middleton St George.

"We will build a shopping complex at Commercial Street with more safe parking. This will be coupled with better town centre pedestrianisation after extensive consultation. We will develop the Morton Palms site to create jobs. We will also give more grants to small businesses.

"We will provide more CCTV cameras and improve facilities in parks and cemeteries. CCTV cameras will be provided first at South Park, North Cemetery and Eastbourne Park. More will follow. We will start a new Street Care team to improve residential areas.

"Labour's plans are in line with what Darlington people want. We have an excellent track record of delivery. We want to do more for you. If you haven't voted yet, a vote for Labour is a vote for you and your family."