THE new leader of Bromley Council has vowed to prevent future council tax hikes from exceeding 10 per cent.

Councillor Michael Tickner says, after three years of "mismanagement" by the coalition of the Liberal Democrats and Labour, the Conservatives will keep rises to single figures.

His vow came after the Tories won two crunch by-elections in the wards of Mottingham and Chelsfield and Goddington.

In picking up the vital seats, the Conservatives now hold 32 seats while the former coalition parties have 28.

Cllr Tickner moved to reassure residents he will slash council tax in the wake of last year's "huge" 12.3 per cent increase.

He said: "There has been a 35 per cent increase in council tax over the last three years .

"And there is absolutely nothing to show for it now."

The Kelsey Park ward councillor added: "We will address this issue by ensuring future increases are kept to single figures.

"We have always said we have an ongoing commitment to progressively reduce council tax."

Cllr Tickner also insists he will take positive action to remove abandoned vehicles, restore grass cutting and make a real effort to remove graffiti in the borough.

He added: "The former administration has come to an inevitable but inauspicious end. A lot of work needs to be done to reverse the financial mess we have been left with following three years of mismanagement.

"I realise we can't solve the problems overnight but our policies will make a real positive impact in Bromley."

Former joint council leader Councillor Chris Maines said: "The Conservatives claim they are going to make cuts so we'll just have to see whether this is the case.

"We're obviously very disappointed with the results but I still believe our administration has done a very good job in Bromley. We have succeeded in opening up the council, allowing more public participation in the decision-making process."

July 10, 2001 15:20

Matt Bamsey