Harrow Borough Council's Conservative administration has attacked the Labour group for having a ‘devastating impact’ on the borough during its time in power.

Harrow Conservatives, who took power three months ago, claim the borough became twice as dirtyt because of cuts by the previous Labour administration.

According to figures from the Conservative group, graffiti increased by 25 per cent in a three-month period from July and September 2013 and recorded litter doubled.

Leader of the council Councillor Susan Hall said: “From the outset, our Conservative administration has pledged to deliver a cleaner, safer and fairer Harrow.

“What this data shows is how appropriate it was for us to invest in the public realm services which keep our borough clean and tidy – as Labour’s cuts were clearly starting to bite.

“Labour’s last budget included major reductions in road sweeping funding, cuts in graffiti removal and less maintenance of grass verges – all of which have had a devastating impact on the cleanliness and appearance of our borough.”

She added people have regularly complained about the increase in litter around Harrow and her administration’s latest budget would include more money to clean up the borough.

In response, leader of the Labour group Cllr David Perry said: “This is a typically gimmicky statement from a Conservative administration that has produced a reckless, irresponsible and unfair budget.

“The Tories are trying to distract the people of Harrow from the £8m increased deficit they are creating in the budget as well as their policy of taking £2m away from supporting the most vulnerable people in Harrow.

“This is electioneering at its highest, and the Tories are maxing out the credit card to pay for it, for which in the long run the ratepayers of Harrow will pick up the bill.”