DOUBT has been cast on a planned public meeting of Wyre Forest's prospective parliamentary candidates following a row over the health debate.

Carpet Weavers' Union general secretary Gordon Rudd had planned a meeting at Kidderminster Town Hall on April 20 at which candidates could discuss any matter - except the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital.

But Health Concern candidate Dr Richard Taylor and Conservative Mark Simpson have refused to attend the meeting, which would be open to members of the public to ask questions, unless there is an open agenda.

Mr Rudd said: "Of course the hospital is of the utmost importance to all of us but there are other issues nationally which have to be taken into consideration, such as Europe, the single currency, manufacturing and industry."

Dr Taylor has vowed to fight to reverse the downgrading of the hospital if elected - but sitting MP David Lock believes sending him to Westminster would damage chances for future Government investment in Wyre Forest.

Mr Lock said: "If Richard Taylor has nothing to say on anything other than the hospital then that's a fact that should be publicised."

Dr Taylor said: "I have said I will accept the invitation if the agenda is entirely open, but as it is people can't ask questions about the single matter which means most to them."

Mr Rudd said he supported the campaign to reverse the downgrading of the hospital, but felt it was an issue that came to dominate the political arena in Wyre Forest - and that it was important that people heard candidates' views on wider issues.

He is planning to write to Dr Taylor and Mr Simpson to ask them to reconsider attending the meeting.