LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne believes that the first Conservative budget for 18 years will be good for people in south Shropshire.

He thinks that changes to road tax and a further freeze in fuel duty will be particularly welcome.

“Shropshire has one of the largest road networks of any county in England, so I welcome these plans to put Vehicle Excise Duty back into maintaining the nation’s road network,” said Mr Dunne.

“I am sure local motorists will also welcome continuing the freeze in Fuel Duty, saving money every time you fill up. "By the end of 2015 to 2016 we will have frozen fuel duty for five years, resulting in the longest duty freeze in more than 20 years.”

But the Green Party in south Shropshire say that the first budget of the new Parliament was bad news for the poor.

“This budget is dreadful news for those already in poverty and those who will now be thrown into poverty,” said John Whitelegg of the South Shropshire Green Party.

“It represents a lurch towards a very unfair and vindictive society which the Green Party does not accept as ethical, necessary or good for the health of the nation.

“The Green Party wants to create a Britain that cares.”