Sir, – Conservative-led North Yorkshire County Council is continuing with its policy of running down local services as its masters in London impose further cuts on our communities. Libraries close, buses become fewer, senior citizens are not receiving the care they need and children are being made to endure larger class sizes and the imposition of bus charges. The list goes on.

Is there no alternative? Do we have to accept Tory economic policy aimed solely at the poor and needy while the rich get tax cuts and tax hand-outs? There is an alternative. Let us know how much is needed to restore these cuts. Let us know how much it would cost us on the rates. Ask us if those who are well-off would pay to support those who have little or nothing. Do not assume that we are not prepared to help those in need rather than pay more in taxes.

We are a compassionate society, who are prepared to look after the weak and vulnerable. Give us that chance. Publish the figures, call a referendum of voters and let us decide.

ALAN AVERY

Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Labour Party in the Thirsk and Malton constituency