THE new Tory spokesperson for Southampton's roads and bins has promised to take Labour bosses to-task over the state of the city's roads.

Newley appointed Conservative spokesperson for Environment and Transport, councillor James Baillie, says the quality of Southampton's roads is "worse than ever".

And he has promised to go toe-to-toe with Labour road chiefs, councillor Jacqui Rayment, over the issue.

He said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role.

"It is an important portfolio covering a wide range of public facing services.

"The quality of our roads is worse than ever, air quality is appalling, and our bin collections have been cut to alternate weeks.

"I look forward to holding Labour's cabinet member Cllr Rayment to account for the lack of progress made over the six years they've been in control.

He added: "I am also a maths teacher and it is important to me that both the students I teach, and my own children, can grow up in a city with clean air, and are able to walk and cycle in the streets without fear.

"This is currently not the case and what I want to see improved."

Councillor Baillie takes over the role from predecessor, councillor David Fuller, who has chosen to step back for "family reasons".

Conservative leader, councillor Jeremy Moulton, said: "James is a great addition to the Conservative front bench team and has hit the ground running, getting stuck into his new portfolio.

"I am grateful to councillor Fuller for his work over the past few years."