Cut out the PR stunts

Published: 3 December, 2010

• AS I walked past the long-closed Marylebone Library the other day I saw at least 10 council and government officials tying a large red ribbon to the front of the building. 

I later found out that this was a set-up to launch the latest Conservative “cutting red tape” stunt.

The ever-observant press asked how much this stunt had cost. 

The council replied that the ribbon had cost £50. 

But what about the salaries of the 10 council and government officials who spent hours thinking up this stunt and even more time putting up the ribbon and cajoling the press to cover this non-story?

At a time of public sector cutbacks, job losses and service cuts, surely the council and the government have a public duty to stop treating us like fools and to get on with the important job of looking after those who depend on public services. 

The council should cut out the meaningless PR stunts and spend the money on children, the elderly and the vulnerable.

CLLR PAUL DIMOLDENBERG
Leader of the Labour Group