Anyone wishing to understand the difficulties faced by Oxford City Council doesn't have to look much further than the three largest parties represented on the council, and in particular the Labour Group.

Ed Turner's claims of financial mismanagement (Oxford Mail, March 4) would be funny, if they weren't a tragic twist on reality.

In truth, Labour has brought this city to its knees over two decades with a fiscal ineptitude that beggars belief.

Much of the difficulties experienced by the Lib Dem group running the council is the legacy left by the Labour group, of which Mr Turner was an integral part.

Since the Lib Dems lost four of their group to other parties, including Labour, Labour have steadfastly refused to put their money where their mouth is and take control of the council, preferring to jeer from the sidelines, despite having the largest group.

The Greens have also tried to make capital out of the Lib Dem failures. However, beyond wasting police time and resources chasing lost causes, they have had nothing to offer.

The people suffering now from Labour, Lib Dem and Green failings are the citizens of Oxford, who have to face up to an inflation-busting four per cent rise in their council tax.

So, when you cast your vote, take a look around and remember the part played by these three parties in the reduction of fortunes for this city.

Andrew MacGregor, Burrows Close, Headington, Oxford