THE five declared candidates for Wyre Forest have agreed to speak directly to Shuttle/Times and News readers on key issues in the run-up to the election.

Next week they will give their thoughts on education and on April 21 they will be writing about health.

The final articles from the candidates will be on a subject of their own choice on April 28.

THE Liberal Democrats have again declined to field a candidate for the Wyre Forest seat at next month's General Election, to give MP Richard Taylor his best shot at victory.

Party president, Simon Hughes, urged party supporters to vote for the Independent, Dr Taylor, as in 2001 when he gained a landslide victory.

The party would, however, put in a candidate for subsequent general elections, said Mr Hughes, who was delegated the decision by district party officers.

He explained: "Often, politicians are asked to put local and national interest above party interest. My decision to ask our supporters on this occasion to support Dr Richard Taylor shows that, in exceptional circumstances, we are willing to stand aside to make sure that the local interests are best served.

"Dr Taylor has served his constituents with dedication, diligence, and professionalism. He has brought the issues of hospital and health services in Kidderminster and the wider West Midlands regularly and effectively to the attention of Parliament and Government. He has done a good job."

He said Dr Taylor "shares our views" and that greater efforts would be made to increase the number of Liberal Democrats on Wyre Forest District Council. There are presently two party members out of 42.

Dr Taylor said he was "grateful" for the support, adding: "I will remain totally independent, whatever happens, so I have not done a deal or anything."

Nominations have now opened for the Wyre Forest seat since the election was announced on Tuesday.

Nominations must be submitted by April 19 at 4pm to Wyre Forest District Council.

Declared candidates so far are Marc Bayliss (Labour), Mark Garnier (Conser-vative), Rustie Lee (UK Independence Party), Fran Oborski (Liberal Party) and Dr Richard Taylor (Independent Kidderminster Hosp-ital & Health Concern).

The election will be held on May 5, the same day as Worc-estershire County Council elections when 10 Wyre Forest seats will be contested.