LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne is joining mayor, Graeme Kidd, and his campaign against crime.

He said: "While the Ludlow constituency has one of the lowest crime rates in the UK, low crime is not no crime. There remains considerable concern, in particular about anti-social behaviour, often drug or drink fuelled. The recent late night assaults in the town centre show why such concerns are justified."

Mr Dunne has accepted Coun Kidd's invitation to attend the public meeting on crime at the Harley Centre on October 4. Recently he campaigned strongly to keep West Mercia Police independent and to prevent it being swallowed up in a regional West Midlands super-force.

He explained: "One of the main reasons I fought against these proposals was my fear that such a regional force would suck police resources out of relatively low crime areas like Ludlow into higher crime urban hotspots."

Mr Dunne said that the latest comparisons showed West Mercia as one of the best performing forces in the country for cutting and detecting crime.

He added: "I welcome any moves which will reduce criminality and bring the police closer and more accountable to the communities they serve."

Mr Dunne has joined the Parliamentary Police Scheme, which involves spending time with all aspects of the West Mercia force.

"So I am getting to know at first hand the problems they face," he said.

"If the public meeting can help our community express its views to the police and others involved in our criminal justice system locally, then I am sure this will be worthwhile."