DAVID Sansom is the leader of the opposition Conservative group on Three Rivers District Council .

Mr Sansom, who is also standing as a councillor for Rickmansworth ward, believes one of the big issues is the need for a new secondary school in the district.

He said: "In council meetings the Conservative group has put forward two motions to try to progress the finding of a site, and working with Hertfordshire County Council to get on with it.

"Both times the Liberal Democrats voted against.

"In Hertfordshire County Council, the Liberal Democrats voted against the extra money needed to fund the new school. However, the Conservatives voted the money through and are now working to find a site.

"Another big issue is the William Penn swimming pool refurbishment, which has been shut for four years and the cost is now in excess of £8million - 100 per cent over budget.

Mr Sansom added: "The Liberal Democrats fired the contractor a couple of years ago but refuse to say when the pool will open. It is also costing the council £16,000 a month in compensation to the leisure company who should, by now, be running the swimming pool.

"The Liberal Democrat administration has paid out hundreds of thousands of pounds so far and will continue to do so until the pool is opened or the contract runs out in 10 years' time.

"That would mean a cost of £1.92m pounds for nothing."

Other key points pledged in the Conservative manifesto: * We will protect front-line services including weekly bin collections and police community support officers. * We will protect the environment and Green Belt, opposing back garden development and traveller sites. * We will provide more opportunities for youth sport. * We promise no council tax rise for three years.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

ANN Shaw is the leader of the ruling Liberal Democrat administration at Three Rivers District Council.

She is not standing for election because Three Rivers operates a 'system of thirds' - one-third of seats are up for election every two years.

Ms Shaw, who is councillor for Mill End and Maple Cross ward, said: "What will the result of the general election mean for local government? The omens are not good.

"Fancy talk about localism on one hand and dire threats about reduced grants on the other.

"In a Liberal Democrat-run Three Rivers, residents respond to regular consultations about the council tax, saying they value the services we provide and do not want to lose them.

"This has recently been confirmed by the Audit Commission, which said TRDC residents' satisfaction with the council and the value for money it offers are among the best in England.

"We have made very significant efficiency savings while improving services. This approach will continue. Tight financial control is essential.

"Our priorities are our environ-mental policies - protecting the Green Belt and the character of our district, maintaining our recycling scheme, resisting unacceptable development, continually seeking to save energy and water and encouraging residents and businesses to do the same.

"Community safety is also a priority. We will work to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Leisure provision for all ages is vital.

"We will stand up for local people, including campaigning for a new local secondary school."

LABOUR

COUNCILLOR Francis Durham, current leader of the Labour group in Three Rivers, will be standing down after the election. A new leader will be selected in due course.

The Labour group were unable to provide their election material in time for the Gazette's deadline.