LABOUR'S opponents in Sandwell are saying that a one party council is not good for local democracy.

The borough overwhelmingly returned Labour members at last week's election and, as the authority got back to work, Conservatives and independents both claimed more opposition councillors were needed in the council chamber.

But their claims have been dismissed by one Labour stalwart who said the situation was similar to some shire counties dominated by Conservative councillors while some political opponents had run 'awful' campaigns.

Last week the Labour Party strengthened its position on the council by gaining four seats, taking its total to 70 out 72.

Bob Dunn, who stood for the Conservatives in Blackheath and came within 85 votes of winning, said he accepted the vote but that one party completely dominating a council wasn't healthy.

"You need a real opposition in a council because you have to have someone who takes the council to task.

"The danger is that without one they could just do anything they like with no-one to hold them accountable."

Saying in his ward Conservatives worked hard to win, he did admit that across the borough the party needed to do better and more.

Barbara Price, one of the two remaining independent councillors on the council, echoed his views but said  in a democracy voters decided who represented them.

She added: "It is a good healthy thing to have more opposition, whether that will happen in Sandwell I don't know."

And in what could be a blow for a more balanced council the Rowley councillor said she was now considering standing down next year.

"I think I've done enough service for the community. I have been asked to stay on by constituents but I haven't made up my mind yet," she said.

But Labour stalwart Bob Piper, who was re-elected to his Abbey ward on Thursday, compared Sandwell to areas like Chelmsford where Conservatives hold 52 out of 57 seats.

"What are they saying? That we hand back seats where the voters choose Labour to represent them?"

Saying his party had won because it had managed to protect front-line services despite £200 million in cuts, he added debate within the Labour group and in the council scrutiny committees kept the council accountable.

And he blamed other parties, saying for the Conservative's campaign hadn't been serious.

"I don't think they even tried. If they did try it was a bloody awful try."