THE leader of Salford Council has survived a vote of no confidence after a heated meeting.

Tory and Liberal Democrat opposition called on Labour's John Merry to quit after a year of controversy. Tory leader Karen Garrido said Coun Merry had failed to `exercise understanding and awareness' of the feelings of residents in the city over three local issues and one regional one.

During Coun Merry's tenure Labour's hold on power has weakened. In 2003 it held 51 seats, now it has just 36 with the Tories holding 13, Lib Dems nine, and two independents.

But councillors voted by 33 to 19 to defeat Coun Garrido's motion.

Three Labour councillors were not present at the vote and four councillors, including three Liberal Democrats, abstained.

The motion highlighted the council's controversial decisions to spend £175,000 on a council magazine and £185,000 on a festive ice rink.

It also criticised the council for not doing enough to save local post offices and for its stance on congestion charging in Greater Manchester.

Salford's leadership was in favour of the charge to get investment in the region's public transport system but the public vote against it was bigger in Salford than anywhere else in the region.

Coun Merry said that under his leadership adult social services had become one of the best in the country and the city's schools were among the best performing.

Thousands of jobs would also be created with the MediaCityUK development at Salford Quays, said Coun Merry.

He also defended the ice rink saying it had brought in 13,000 visitors who each spent about £20.

Norman Owen, leader of the Liberal Democrats said: "Both opposition parties have reached the end of their tether."