I'M sure we all read with utter dismay the details of the damning Ofsted report into Wirral Council’s children services.

I am not here to gloat and say "we told you so", and having first-hand knowledge of the many excellent officers in that department, will not make cheap political points at their expense.

However, what distresses me is that council leaders knew of this failure.

Not only is this a failure of the youngest and most vulnerable people in Wirral, but seems indicative of a fundamental lack of ability on their part to manage a whole host of issues Wirral residents feel strongly about, including Girtrell Court's closure, bin collections, fire stations, building on green belt etc.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of children’s services on Wirral I know I speak for all my colleagues when I say we will do everything we can to rectify this disaster.

We are so proud and lucky to live on the Wirral and I genuinely fear the actions of this council are leading to a place where it is no longer attractive, both visually and in its welfare services.

David Burgess-Joyce, Conservative councillor for Greasby, Frankby and Irby