HEALTH CONCERN leader, Howard Martin, said the group's manifesto would convince voters it was more than a single issue party.

Launching A Vision For Wyre Forest, Mr Martin said Health Concern - which runs the district council as a minority - was "much more than single issue. We are about local policies for local people without national political party dogma".

Health remained a major issue but he said the party was also committed to boosting industry, reducing crime and improving facilities.

Redevelopment of the former British Sugar site, Worcester Street, the Horsefair and access to Comberton Hill in Kidderminster were listed as top regeneration priorities.

Encouraging tourism and providing space for industrial development would complement "significant funding" already secured by the administration, stated the manifesto.

The campaign for a Stourport relief road - which is hanging in the balance with members of Worcestershire County Council - and fighting for improved public transport, meanwhile, were vital transport issues.

More alcohol-free zones and a "youth council" to give young people more say, are put forward as key crime-fighting measures while the party would also press for a "champion for the elderly".

Health Concern also reaffirmed its commitment to Bewdley Museum - its 2004/2005 budget commitment has sparked controversy among museum supporters - by stating the party would "continue to provide funding" for the attraction.

Finding a site for a cinema refused to leave the party agenda - development plans were dashed last year - while the plan to develop Kidderminster Town Hall should be seen through.

A Worcestershire County Council education review - which could close and merge district schools - did not convince party members that "due weight" was being given to the opinions of parents, governors and teachers, it said.

This was a major issue for the district and views must be heard by county.

Money is the cornerstone of progress and Health Concern pledged to keep down council tax increases, move council officers on to a single site and strive for budget savings.

Health issues are, unsurprisingly, paramount in the document. The manifesto said Health Concern will campaign for "proper" services, especially Accident & Emergency, and bid to get more NHS dentists into the district.

Mr Martin said: "Over the last two years, we have shown ourselves more than capable of running the council.

"(The manifesto) sets out a robust and affordable programme of action, which will provide a framework of development and improvement to take Wyre Forest forward."

The full manifesto is available at www.healthconcern.org.uk.