CANDIDATES standing in the Ludlow constituency for the General Election have condemned the vandalism of election posters and billboards.

A statement signed by Philip Dunne (Conservative), Charlotte Barnes (Liberal Democrat), David Kelly (UKIP), and Simon Slater (Labour) says they have noticed many of the posters are being defaced.

"We think such actions show a fundamental disrespect for democracy," says the statement.

"To stand for election under any banner takes courage – you’re putting your name to a set of policies you believe in, and asking the public to judge if they trust you.

"Vandalism of election material is the equivalent of trying to shout down your opponent in a debate.

"If you believe in freedom of speech, permit candidates to speak their piece, and allow voters to make up their own minds.

"If you don’t agree with a candidate or party, don’t deface their material. Use the most powerful weapon at your disposal to say so – use your vote."

In a letter sent to the Ludlow Advertiser, Green Party candidate Janet Helen Phillips said: "I want to make it very clear that both personally and as the Green Party candidate for the Ludlow constituency that this behaviour is anti-democratic and senseless.

"Elections must be conducted to the highest possible standards which include: all candidates respecting each other; all posters being left in place and not vandalised; all hustings being conducted in a calm, reasonable manner with no rowdiness and shouting; and all of us respecting the role we all play in promoting democracy in Shropshire.

"We are all protected by a lively, respectful democracy and if anything damages that we will all suffer."