THE newly-elected Labour leader of Redcar and Cleveland council, George Dunning, says that his administration will keep open all of the swimming pools in the borough (Echo, May 18).

Yet Labour closed Redcar swimming pool. Labour closed Guisborough leisure centre. Labour closed Nunthorpe library. Is this one of George's famous three card tricks?

Labour has been left with a Leisure and Culture strategy set in place by the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and East Cleveland coalition. It is second to none in enhancing the opportunities for the people of Redcar and Cleveland to be involved in and enjoy high standard events.

Will Labour continue it or take us back to the era when they had no concept of the benefits to health and well-being of a well structured and resourced leisure and culture strategy? Labour's strategy in the past has been that when funds are stretched, close things down.

Valerie Halton, Conservative Councillor, Hutton Ward, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.