THE past six months have uncovered the astounding facts behind the UK's financial situation.

Our national debt is so huge that the figures are almost beyond comprehension.

Martin Durkin (Channel 4) invited us to imagine the debt (£4.8 trillion) as a stack of £50 notes reaching 6,500 miles into space.

This raises the question: How could any responsible Government allow us to get into this position?

The reaction to our debt from senior Labour Party MPs has been patronising and insulting. This does not surprise me. The local Labour Party really does want us to believe that, up to 2004, Swansea was in Utopia: a place where the public buildings were in perfect order, the schools all in pristine condition, not a scrap of litter was to be found on the streets and every service was the best in Wales.

Swansea administration is continuing to right the wrongs of decades of mismanagement by the Labour Party, we are striving to maintain the optimum level of public services for all in the city and county of Swansea.

It is a tough fight but my team and I will never tire of doing the best we can with the money now available.

Chris Holley

Swansea Council leader