For Councillor Tony Newman (Letters, October 18) to claim there is a difference between the financial pressures facing the council and a budget deficit that it has to fill, explains why this Conservative administration inherited such a financial mess in May.

The fact that he talks about "brave" decisions made by the Labour administration; such as cancelling bottled water, is a clear indication that it was not prepared to make the key decisions necessary to avoid the financial ruin of this council.

This is a serious time, for serious people. Coun Newman has had his 15 minutes and should now leave the running of this council to those who have been democratically elected.

Coun Newman says that this administration intends raising £1.5m per year from parking charges; he fails to mention that, while leader of the council, he initiated the move. He comments upon the Warehouse Theatre grant being cut, when he cut £1.2million from Fairfield.

Finally, let's not forget that he was leader of the council when it set the budget that has led to the difficult decisions having to be made now.

I echo the words of current leader, Councillor Mike Fisher - we will take the decisions that have to be taken. We are not afraid to do so and will deliver affordable services that are based on the needs of Croydon residents and businesses.

COUNCILLOR PJ THOMAS Cabinet member, streets and environment