CONSERVATIVE leader Michael Howard dropped into Matchborough Centre on Friday to look at moves to tackle crime and regenerate the area.

He was also in Redditch as a show of support for his party's Parliamentary candidate, Karen Lumley, who is looking to overturn Labour MP Jacqui Smith's slim majority at the next General Election.

During his visit, Mr Howard spoke to shopkeepers and residents about moves to install CCTV and create more stores in the centre, including a supermarket.

Matchborough pharmacist Chris Stock told him things were improving and stressed the importance of providing a chemist locally for an ageing population.

After buying a tube of toothpaste for sensitive teeth, Mr Howard visited the centre's mobility shop, followed by the award-winning Golden Carp Fish Bar, where he praised the quality of the chips.

He welcomed moves to open up more shops in the centre and praised the council for trying to regenerate the area.

During his visit Mr Howard spoke about antisocial behaviour and the new powers given to police to disperse gangs which are being pioneered in Winyates and Church Hill.

But Mr Howard expressed concerns about the new law and said a real effort had to be made to rehabilitate young people.

He said: "There are some problems with the new legislation as it is only designated to areas where there have been problems. And it is easy for those people causing problems to just go out of those areas."

Redditch councillor and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Karen Lumley said: "Michael Howard came to Redditch because it is one of target seats for the next election.

"He was very pleased to see how things were moving on in Matchborough Centre. We showed him a part of Redditch we would not normally take politicians to but it was great to be able to take him to a place which is becoming much more vibrant."