REDDITCH is a far better place now than it was before Labour took control in 1983.

At that time, the Thatcher era was at its peak.

Unemployment and crime in Redditch were horribly high and repossessions were commonplace.

Interest rates soared and inflation was rampant.

I know and understand that as a council, Redditch's influence was limited but the will - and the task - was there.

To me, no one epitomised the will to put things right more than Albert Wharrad.

Within months of taking control, a whole new culture swept through the council, the challenges were identified and acted upon.

Economic development was the key, new businesses were attracted to the town, enterprising initiatives like the Greenlands Business Centre and the Rubicon Centre were established to help people start their own business.

Housing associations were welcomed and encouraged and Redditch turned the corner.

Today, after 20 or more years of Labour control in Redditch, more people are in work now than ever.

More people own their own home than ever.

More people have a roof over their head than ever.

We have a brand new shopping centre and a beautifully restored theatre that any town would be proud of.

We have a clean, tree lined beautiful town to live in that is a victim of its own success.

More and more people want to live and work in Redditch, and who can blame them?

However, because of its success, within Redditch house prices remain frustratingly high and many young people feel driven out or held back by the lack of suitable council accommodation.

The amount of earnings needed to get a mortgage on the cheaper end of the property ladder is way in excess of the average Redditch wage or salary.

The British National Party is not the answer.

It is all too easy for people to play the "race" card and persuade folk that their lot would be that much better if it wasn't for all these "ethnic minorities", "asylum seekers" etc etc.

The BNP may gain an odd seat or two as a protest but remember more than twice as many people voted for other parties than the BNP here in Winyates.

Albert Wharrad is the straightest man and was the best ward councillor I have ever known and I do not envy David Enderby because, in my opinion, he and his party's policies will never be able to adequately follow such a class act.

CLIVE CHEETHAM

Winyates