MEMBERS of the public are being invited to quiz local politicians on issues that matter to them during an open debate.

The big debate will be held at the Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane on the evening of April 17, and is expected to draw hundreds of people keen to know why the political parties should get their vote in the May elections.

Audience members are asked to pre-submit their questions by midnight April 8 - if their topic is chosen they will be invited to pose the question on the night.

All political parties have agreed to take part, two candidates will be joining the panel from the Lib Dem and Conservative parties, with one representative joining from the Green and Labour parties. The names of all those taking part is yet to be confirmed.

Host for the evening will be baptist minister Matt Frost, and as well as taking questions from the floor panel members will be given time to introduce themselves to the crowd.

  • The big debate will take place at 7.30 pm, April 17, Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane, GL7 1YE