A FORMER probation chief and national head of the Commission for Racial Equality is one of a group that has set up a new cross party organisation in Ludlow to campaign for greater fairness.

Sir Michael Day, who lives in Broad Street, has pledged that the group with work alongside the Churches Together Around Ludlow.

The 81-year-old former chief probation officer for the West Midlands and one time national chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality says that the group is not party political and that he has no affiliation with any party.

“It I clear that there is great disillusionment and disengagement across all sections of society with the current political process and this is very worrying,” said Sir Michael.

The aim of the group is to attract major speakers and experts in their field to talk about some of the changes that are taking place. A particular concern is the changes within the public sector with a major shift towards outsourcing and privatisation.

“I do not think that people realise the extent of the changes that are taking place or realise that they are irrevocable,” said Sir Michael.

Sir Michael was the author of ‘Ludlow Under Pressure’ on behalf of the ecumenical ‘Churches Together Around Ludlow ‘ group. This highlighted a number of key issues including poor public transport and lack of opportunities for young people.

He said that the new group would work with the churches but wants to provide something that people could get involved with who might not be involved with the church.

“There is a lot of talent in Ludlow with people from different backgrounds who want to make a contribution,” said Sir Michael, who moved to the town 11 years ago.

He said these included people who were comfortably off and not particularly badly affected by the cuts but have a social conscience and concerns for the wider community and society.

But he added that it would be important to involve people from all over the town.

“This must not just become a conversation between the chattering classes,” said Sir Michael.

The first meeting at Oscars in Ludlow Assembly Rooms was about the future of the National Health Service and attracted more than 100 people.

“I think we did better than Stephen Fry who was on next door,” he added.

Further meetings will be held in the coming months.