The Reading Council Conservative group has strongly denied that they are going back on their word by condeming council staff to work in a crumbling asbestos filled building for longer and have outlined their alternative plans for the new civic centre.

The Tory group leader told us: "We're not bound by anything Fred Pugh signed up to." Andrew Cumpsty backed him up by adding: "Why did you think we were so keen to shuffle him off to deputy mayor where he can cause the least amount of damage?"

Stung by criticism of yet another example of the Conservatives knowing what they are against, but actually having no plans of their own the magical Tory fag packet was brought out again to unveil their plans. "We've been immensley impressed by the way that travellers can set up almost overnight anywhere in the borough for very little cost. We've had a competitive quote for the whole civic redevelopment of £500 cash in hand and they've also offered to fix some of the loose slates on my roof at the same time."

However, the Tories agressive position on the new civic could be short lived as no-one has worked out which way David Stevens is planning to vote yet.