THE Hartlepool by-election battleground moved away from health yesterday to focus on law and order.

Liberal Democrat Lord David Steel and Cabinet Office Minister Ruth Kelly joined the campaign trail to talk about their parties' chances and their candidates.

Lord Steel used his visit to support Jody Dunn and attack Labour's record on crime.

Mrs Kelly joined candidate Iain Wright on patrol with Hartlepool's anti-social behaviour task force, and insisted he was the only one who would take on the gangs.

But Lord Steel claimed the hope of the country when Labour swept to power in 1997 has been replaced by disappointment that crime has not been tackled.

He said: "Here in Hartlepool, we have an all to painful illustration of the problem. Crime has risen, fear of crime has risen and there is a widespread perception that the police cannot cope. People are no longer confident that Labour has the answers."

Shadow Secretary of State for the Regions, Bernard Jenkin, backed Conservative candidate Jeremy Middleton, and highlighted the growing cost of council tax under Labour and the new tax that would be imposed to pay for a regional assembly.

Mr Jenkin said: "Under Labour, council tax has gone through the roof.

"On average, families in Hartlepool have had to pay £411 more since 1997.

"To add to this burden, Tony Blair wants to impose another tax to pay for Prescott's regional assembly that will not bring one more policeman, doctor or teacher to Hartlepool."

Mr Middleton said: "A vote for Labour or the Liberal Democrats is an expensive vote. Conservatives are the only main party that oppose the proposed regional assembly."