Labour heavyweight Ed Balls in Telford

Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls asked Shropshire residents to help shape the new Labour manifesto during a visit to the county today.

He joined Telford MP David Wright on stage at the New Politics Fresh Ideas conference at the Business Development Centre, on Stafford Park, in Telford.

He also took part in group discussions involving about 45 delegates on unemployment, the economy, the cost of living and education.

Mr Balls admitted it was "nerve-wracking" to go face-to-face with voters, but said it was the only way Labour could hope to recover from its 2010 election defeat.

He said: "We are seeing similar themes being raised at all the events we hold, mainly Education Maintenance Allowance, youth unemployment, banking regulation and fears that we are going back to the 1980s.

"I know unemployment is rising across Telford and Shropshire and I'm determined to respond to people's genuine concerns. I also know EMA is a big issue in rural areas of Shropshire as it can have such a big impact on young people getting to school.

"But the key is we can't tell the people that didn't vote for us that they were wrong and our policies were right. We need to look at why they didn't support our policies and the key issues affecting their lives."

Mr Balls was due to visit Birmingham and Coventry later today as part of the campaign, which will see consultation events held in 50 towns and cities.

Mr Wright said he was pleased his constituents were getting a chance to make a real impact on national policies.

He said: "It's really been very interesting to see what people are talking about. We are serious that what is said today will be properly taken into consideration."