LOCAL Liberal Democrat leader Brian Gurden accused the Tories of being in a "parallel universe" as he outlined his party's plan to fight elections on Thursday, June 10.

The Lib-Dems are putting candidates forward for 18 of the 22 wards and the party's manifesto promises good service, low costs and openness and honesty.

After nine years working in partnership with the local Labour group, Cllr Gurden (pictured above) said residents should judge his party by its record in that time.

He said: "I have accused the Tories of being in a parallel universe, because you would have to be in that position not to acknowledge the achievements that have been made in Basingstoke and Deane.

"A lot of that is down to strong leadership and incisive decision-making.

"We do not always see eye-to-eye and the way it works mean the Lib-Dems can have a lot of influence over the decision.

"I believe that is what people in Basingstoke like about the joint administration.

"Most people are comfortable with their local politicians having to bargain, offer compromises and work things out in the interests of the whole community."

Cllr Gurden knows that the Manydown proposal will be a contentious issue for many voters, but said the current plan to build thousands of homes is the right one.

Without the Manydown plan, there would be a need for developments throughout the borough.

He said: "People need to realise that, on this issue, it is effectively a referendum. The Save Manydown campaign has run out of steam. There is no doubt that the upcoming development is in the best interest of the town.

"We need homes for our children and our children's children."

Nationally, the Lib-Dems want to see a local income tax replace council tax and Cllr Gurden said that a vote for his party next month will send a clear message to central Government.

He said that, although Basingstoke's council tax is the lowest in Hampshire, he wants to see a change to local tax rules.

"I firmly believe that council tax is unsustainable," said Cllr Gurden.

"You have a situation where there may be four people sharing a home and bringing in a gross income of £100,000 and they pay the same as the pensioner next door.

"I do not think that is fair and my party does not think it is fair."

The Lib-Dems are also committed to supporting the rural areas of Basingstoke and Deane as well as working on more projects for youngsters.

Following on from succesful village design statements, which gave residents a voice in shaping the future of villages, the Lib-Dems also want to set up similar consultations for urban areas.