WITH the county council elections less than a month away, the political parties have begun their wowing of the electorate with their manifesto promises – and Labour has led the way with its declaration of war on poverty and unfair cuts.

The Labour group at Shire Hall launched its manifesto on Saturday when leader Councillor Paul Sales said: “Cambridgeshire is a deeply divided county with some parts of Fenland, East Cambridgeshire and parts of Cambridge city amongst the most deprived in the country in terms of health, housing, education and income. It is vital to address issues such as increased poverty affecting so many families and children through the savage cuts to welfare or isolation in rural areas from the loss of bus services.”

Labour said its key pledges are:

? to fight unfair cuts to essential services

? campaign against cuts to benefits for the least well-off

? fight for a living wage for low paid workers

? campaign for extra funding for the poorest areas and better bus services

? push for investment in road, pavement and cycling infrastructure

? push for regional economic growth and job creation

Labour’s manifesto also promises to oppose a toll charge on a new A14.

INFORMATION: Voting at all county council wards will take place on May 2.