Labour'S local election candidates pulled on their rubber gloves to demonstrate their commitment to the party's manifesto pledge of "cleaner, greener, safer" streets.

As part of the party's manifesto launch on Monday, April 24, candidates in this year's borough council elections and a number of other Labour councillors headed for the streets of Winklebury to clean graffiti, pick up litter and meet local people.

If the party continues to be part of the ruling administration on the borough council after May 4, members have pledged to make the borough a more pleasant place to live.

Their promises include continuing to support and expand the community wardens scheme, giving all communities a contact who is responsible for keeping each area of the borough clean and who can respond quickly to problems, and identifying and targeting hot-spots for litter, graffiti and fly-tipping.

Labour group leader Councillor David Potter said: "Keeping our communities clean and safe is a major part of what we are about.

"Overall, this is a package of measures aimed at empowering local people and focusing council resources to keep our streets safe and clean."

Cllr Paul Harvey, leader of the Labour-Liberal Democrat-controlled council, said: "We are not just talking about it, we are out doing something about these issues. We want to be proud of our estates and this is a big part of being proud of Basingstoke."

Cllr Criss Connor, who is seeking re-election in Winklebury this year, was cleaning graffiti at Monday's launch, and said it is something he regularly does in his ward.

He said: "Graffiti is not attractive, it is not art and it spoils the environment, so it should not be tolerated."

First published: Thursday, April 27, 2006