CONSERVATIVE leader David Cameron was in Worcester yesterday to focus on environmental issues, but refused to be drawn into a discussion on a contentious subject for the city.

He took a letter from three people protesting about the proposed development of Grove Farm on a visit to the Pump House Environment Centre in Gheluvelt Park, but would not answer any of their questions.

Instead, the Opposition leader turned his attention to more national issues such as health and manufacturing.

Speaking about Grove Farm, which has been earmarked for a business park and is opposed by local people worried about wildlife and the environment, he said: "I'm not going to second-guess the local council.

"In fact, I want more decisions to be made locally.

"As for building on Green Belt land, there is a great pressure by central government on England to develop business and homes."

He was visiting The Pump House, in Waterworks Road, to see the facility's displays and even had a go at powering a 100-watt bulb by using an old bike bolted to the floor. He followed this "exhausting" exercise with a cup of Fairtrade tea.

Asked how important Worcester was to winning the next General Election, he added: "Worcester is an important seat in the Heart of England.

"I am determined that the Conservatives are the best equipped to deal with the challenges this city and the whole country are facing.

"Health is one of the biggest issues at the moment and Worcester, like a lot of other places, are facing budget cuts and possible job losses.

"Gordon Brown has failed to reform the health service and I would look to introduce less bureaucracy in an effort to solve this."

Job losses have also been common in manufacturing in Worcester, with 700 currently under threat at the former Kays.

Asked by the Worcester News how he would stop such losses, he added: "The Government has imposed the biggest tax burden in our history and we need a competitive agenda for the economy, something we don't have at the moment."

But despite being tight-lipped on his visit, it is the environment that Mr Cameron has highlighted as his main concern.

This is a passion shared by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, which runs The Pump House.

Mark Driscoll, project manager for the Trust, said: "I think there is a lot to be done in terms of the environment and having a politician of such standing as Mr Cameron come here can only help the cause.

"We need to work with all politicians to reduce our ecological impact. It was very nice meeting him."