COUNCILLOR Paul O’Neill writes (Echo, Friday, May 13) in defence of his colleague Councillor Norris who lost her seat in the recent elections.

Councillor O’Neill was correct to recognise her achievements. I believe most councillors work hard to represent their constituents.

But I must differ from him on his dire predictions for the future of Southampton under a Labour council.

The government which Councillors O’Neill and Norris support cut £65m from the city’s budget. In spite of this the Labour council has created 600 jobs for local people, with more planned; created 6,600 apprenticeships; kept open 14 Sure Start centres to give youngsters a good start in life; protected services like Oaklands pool and the libraries and built 422 affordable homes compared to the 166 promised by the Tories.

There is still plenty to do, building homes, repairing roads and cutting pollution, but the voters of Portswood decided that a Labour vote, a Labour councillor and a Labour council are better options to cope with and fight off any future threats to our city’s services.

Ann Wardle Portswood