CONTROVERSIAL plans for compulsory ID cards are back on the political agenda after being conveniently side-stepped during the General Election.

Objectors to the government's proposals, reintroduced last week, highlight the estimated cost of such a scheme and the threats to civil liberties. The cards would carry details, including addresses and dates of birth, along with biometric details such as iris patterns or thumbprints.

Ministers believe the cards, which will start being issued by 2008, will cut crimes including identity theft, benefit fraud and terrorism. But the price of producing one card is said to be £93 and it is unclear how much of that cost people would be expected to cover.

Critics also point to the hazy information about the set up costs, which the Home Office has refused to give details on. It has only estimated the annual running costs of the scheme, which is said to total £584m.

Freelance writer Joanna Murray-Clarke, aged 55 from Broadway, was one Vale resident who remains on the fence about the plans. She said: "To be honest I have mixed views - ID cards would be convenient from the point of view that you'd have a lot of information on one card. But the cost is too much for something that you have to have by law.

"I certainly don't think it will make the slightest difference when it comes to things like terrorism or illegal immigrants."

But A-level student Katy Thompson, 18, from the Lenches, was confident ID cards would have an impact on some crimes. She said: "I think the cards are a good idea because they will help stop underage drinking and reduce other alcohol abuse problems. And it might help to combat things like terrorism too."

David Edwards, 41, and currently unemployed from Evesham, said: "I think ID cards should be given to immigrants that come into the country. It would help control the asylum system. But I think giving ID cards to British citizens is wrong and the cost of them is ridiculous."

Kay Pearson, a retired hairdresser from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, said: "I don't disagree with ID cards at all - I think it would help stop a lot of things like terrorism. If people don't have anything to hide, I don't understand why they have a problem with it."

Roger Hales, a 60-year-old shop manager from Drakes Broughton, said: "I don't now how cards will help reduce crime but I don't really have any objections. I'm keeping an open mind but the cost of them seems to be fairly high."

Diane Smith, 26, and a full-time Evesham mother, said: "I wouldn't mind having to carry an ID card. There are so many people around that shouldn't be here and I think having them would make me feel safer."