OPPOSITION parties have accused the new Conservative administration at Gloucestershire County Council of blocking local democracy.

Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats are outraged that the Tories have taken control of all the scrutiny committees, thereby preventing members from other parties from monitoring the Tories' work.

Newly elected Cam and Dursley member Cllr Dennis Andrewartha (Lib Dem) said: "The Conservative Group is not allowing democracy to happen. This is because they are afraid of criticism and alternative ideas.

"They are not open to any suggestion of people working together for the good of the people."

Labour councillors were equally scathing, castigating the Tory proposals to give individual members of the cabinet the right to make decisions without referring them to full cabinet.

Group leader Cllr Maureen Rutter (Lab, Stroud West) said: "Giving individuals the right to bypass collective responsibility is not open government.

"The Tories seem determined to keep all the power in their own hands and not allow any robust scrutiny.

"The Labour Group promises to probe and challenge from the word go and we will let them get away with nothing where the interests of the people of Gloucestershire are concerned."

Speaking at the council's meeting on Wednesday, new council leader, Cllr Barry Dare (Con, Moreton-Stow), said his party would improve matters for the people of the county.

"My aim, and the aim of the Conservative administration, will be to make it better," he said.

Cllr Dare has introduced a new cabinet structure to reflect what the administration sees as the changing needs of the council.

Three lead councillors will take overall responsibility for children's services; adult services; and environment and community.

Six Portfolio Holders will then focus on specific areas within those services. The new appointments are:

Children's services - Cllr Jackie Hall; portfolio holder for schools - Cllr Joan Nash; portfolio holder for young people - Cllr Alan Pearce.

Adult services and libraries - Cllr Tony Hicks; portfolio holder for learning disabilities - Cllr Ron Allen.

Environment and community - Cllr Charles Gillams; portfolio holder for the environment - Cllr Stan Waddington; portfolio holder for fire and regulation - Cllr Shaun Parsons; portfolio holder for resources - Cllr Ray Theodoulou.

Cllr Mavis Lady Dunrossil, who has been on the council since 1977, was elected as its chair, with Cllr Gordon Shurmer elected as vice-chair.