CAMPAIGNS against police cuts and changes to the NHS are being stepped up by local election candidates in York.

Tony Lloyd MP, who chairs the Parliamentary Labour Party, is today joining his party colleagues in two of the wards at next week’s City of York Council poll to petition against a reduction in the number of officers keeping the city’s streets safe.

York Central MP Hugh Bayley, meanwhile, will tomorrow join Hull Road candidates to urge residents to oppose planned Government changes for a sweeping reorganisation of the health service.

Funding cuts mean North Yorkshire Police is faced with having to save £19 million over the next four years, which could leave the region with 200 fewer officers by 2013, while police staff levels are set to be cut by 350 over the next 12 months.

Mr Lloyd is due to join Labour’s Fulford candidate Owain Gardner and Fishergate candidates Dan Sidley and Kristina Blenkharn, as well as other members of the party’s council group, outside the force’s Fulford Road HQ.

He said: “People across the UK look to us to lead the fight against ideological cuts from Westminster.

“That’s why I’m joining our local candidates across the country to protest against police cuts in particular. They will respond by fighting to protect police numbers in the continued fight against crime.”

Ruth Potter, who is standing for re-election in Heworth and is Labour’s representative on North Yorkshire Police Authority, said residents did not want to see excellent police work undermined by cuts.

Meanwhile, Mr Bayley and Hull Road candidates Neil Barnes and Fiona Fitzpatrick will man a street stall in Tang Hall Lane tomorrow.

They aim to collect signatures for a petition opposing planned NHS reforms, which would give more control of budgets to GPs and allow more private firms to bid for running services.

Mr Bayley said: “The public need to send the Government a clear message that cuts to frontline services will not be tolerated and the NHS needs to be protected.”