I WAS angry to read two letters in last week s Gazette, one from ex-Labour councillor Pat Haynes and one from Labour group leader Catherine West.

I WAS angry to read two letters in last week's Gazette, one from ex-Labour councillor Pat Haynes and one from Labour group leader Catherine West.

It is disgraceful for Pat Haynes to write that "we, the Labour council, took the protection of vulnerable people seriously".

Let's not forget that when Labour were last in power, they presided over the biggest child abuse scandals this country has known. There was systematic abuse for more than a decade in Islington's care homes. An independent investigation criticised the "chaotic" organisation of the council and its "conditions for dangerous and negligent professional practices in relation to child care". I wouldn't say that was something to be proud of.

This year, in stark contrast, Islington has been awarded the highest rating possible by the Commission for Social Care Inspection. This means that Islington's care services are now officially rated as among the finest in the country. - Councillor Terry Stacy, Liberal Democrat Member for Highbury East, Islington Council, Town Hall, Upper Street, N1.