Andrew Pelling is pretty familiar with what it's like to come to the end of a political administration. As a blinkered Tory he's got valuable experience at being rejected by the electorate at a local and national level.

We can understand his desperation to find something with which to attack Labour (letters November 8). But his woeful performance in finding something meaningful to tarnish our record, makes it look as though Andrew is preparing for four more wilderness years.

This Labour council has tried to do more for Croydon people than anything Andrew Pelling ever managed. We are involving local people, consulting them and doing things for them something of a novelty given the empty years of being ignored by the Tories.

Andrew claims the Gateway arena is lost. It's not. We will use compulsory purchase powers if necessary, but we've been trying to make something happen on a site the Tories left to rot for 30 years.

True, we've given Capita the push. The Tories were happy to sign any private contract put in front of them. We insist on public benefits and value for money. Capita weren't up to the job so we have no hesitation in looking elsewhere.

While Andrew continues to snipe from the sidelines, Labour will continue working hard addressing the real needs of the people of Croydon.

Hugh Malyan

Leader of Croydon Council

November 14, 2001 15:30