THE deal struck with Conservative leader Keith Prince on Thursday is a real feather in the cap for the borough s Lib Dem group. The impasse caused by the resignation of two Tories the previous week looked ominous for the Tories – until Hugh Cleaver steppe

THE deal struck with Conservative leader Keith Prince on Thursday is a real feather in the cap for the borough's Lib Dem group.

The impasse caused by the resignation of two Tories the previous week looked ominous for the Tories - until Hugh Cleaver stepped into the breach.

The move appears to have wrong-footed the Labour group who took umbrage at some underhand tactics by the Tories.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Cleaver doesn't appear to have been put off and has secured some important conditions to the deal.

Residents will be pleased he has a commitment on the schools places crisis and the leisure shortfall.

They may not be too bothered about the clause ensuring spending on publicity and communications is prudent and cost effective.

But that is important. Many have questioned the increase in staffing in the communications department and what value it brings for residents.

If the Lib Dem "coup" brings a more careful use of taxpayers' money, most would welcome it. We shall see!