I HAVE the utmost respect and admiration for our local police in Worcester and I support their efforts in tackling crime in our city.

Unfortunately, our local bobbies are up against it when it comes to red tape, new initiatives and bureaucracy which prevent them from doing their job.

Again and again on the doorsteps, local residents mention to me their fear of crime. Everyone knows someone who has been a victim of crime.

Recent headlines in the Evening News such as "City's streets of shame" and "Snatched by masked man", demonstrate the police need more help in the fight against crime.

The next Conservative Government will assist in the fight against crime by providing an extra 633 police officers for our force.

Those bobbies will not be tied to their desks with red tape, but they will be out on the beat making Worcester a safer place.

MARGARET HARPER,

Worcester Conservative Parliamentary Candidate.