I’M delighted that my Labour councillor colleagues at Southampton City Council voted to introduce a late-night levy on pubs and clubs which operate beyond midnight.

Police and council resources are already overstretched because of savage cuts being imposed on urban local government by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Government.

I was however disappointed that the Conservative councillors voted to oppose the introduction of the levy, which is to be used to maintain services to ensure public safety.

Sadly the Conservative party would rather support their friends in big business than make Southampton a safe destination for people to enjoy the night-time economy.

I was even more shocked that Conservative Jeremy Moulton launched an attack on our city’s police superintendent for outlining the benefits of the scheme at the meeting which approved the levy.

I think it’s disgraceful that he should attack a senior public servant in such a way.

The least Councillor Moulton can do in mitigation is to make a full public apology.

COUNCILLOR LEE WHITBREAD, Labour councillor for Redbridge Ward, Southampton City Council.