THE Wyre Forest election campaign has reached fever pitch with the news the Liberal Democrats have backed Health Concern.

The party, which polled 4,377 at the last election, has announced it will not field a candidate in Wyre Forest and will back Health Concern candidate Dr Richard Taylor.

Lib Dem spokesman Matthew Green said: "We want to ensure Wyre Forest elects as its next MP someone who will campaign vigorously to have the accident and emergency and other core services restored to Kidderminster Hospital."

The announcement flew in the face of Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy's pledge it would fight every seat. However, Mr Green said the Wyre Forest party had not received any opposition from the national hierachy.

It is the second party to back Health Concern after the Liberals, which polled 1,670 votes last campaign, pledged support last week.

Dr Taylor said: "I welcome this support and it is apt because Charles Kennedy's words of freedom, justice, honesty echo our own of fairness, openness and democracy."

However, Wyre Forest MP David Lock said the Liberal Democrats had let down their district supporters.

He said: "The Lib Dem activists are arrogant if they believe they can tell people how to vote. Local people will make up their own minds not be directed by a few narrow-minded political activists who cannot see beyond a single issue."

And Conservative candidate Mark Simpson said: "This late concern for health issues in Wyre Forest seems to be at odds with other Liberal Democrats and MPs.

"A vote for Health Concern risks splitting the vote and letting the Labour MP retain his seat."

A fourth candidate has thrown his hat into the General Election ring. Former Wyre Forest district councillor Jim Millington is standing for the UK Independence Party.