THE crack band of the Royal Marines, one of the highlights of this year's Bromsgrove Festival later this month, could be targeted by terrorists, the town's MP Julie Kirkbride claimed this week.

The Tory MP, whose husband, Andrew MacKay, is Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, is concerned the band could be a targeted when it marches through the town.

It is due to give a concert on Recreation Ground on April 28 as part of the Bromsgrove Festival.

Miss Kirkbride spoke out following West Mercia Constabulary's recent decision not to supply officers to control traffic at future events such as parades and marches.

The MP has written to the Home Secretary, Jack Straw, whose Government she blames for cutting back on officers, to express her fears.

"It is disgusting.

" I have written to Mr Straw to point out that the band is clearly a security risk and the local police, who I do not blame, are being put in a very embarrassing position by not being able to be there on the day," she said.

A police presence might deter any likely attackers, she added.

In 1980, ten people died when the band's headquarters in Kent was bombed by terrorists.

Festival secretary Andrew Harris said military bands, which had played at past festivals, had been popular with the public.

He added, it would be a great pity if the band could not perform this year.

West Mercia police could not be contacted for a comment as we went to press.