VOTERS in Yate and Thornbury will get the chance to put all the leading candidates on the spot during a ‘Question Time’ style event.


Residents are invited to the debate on Tuesday, April 14 which has been organised by the area’s biggest business group, the South Gloucestershire branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).


The event is a free debate that will encourage voters to ask the candidates from the main five parties questions on both business matters and other key political issues.


Paul Neck, the chairman of the South Gloucestershire FSB branch, said: “The small business community in Yate, Thornbury and surrounding villages are the lifeblood of the local economy so it is vital people have a chance to question those who wish to represent us on the important matters affecting small businesses at the moment.


“However we want this to be an event that is open to all, and of interest to all and we feel this will be a great opportunity for the local public to meet and hear from the candidates who are standing in this area.


“The election takes place just a couple of weeks after our meeting so this is the perfect chance for those who haven’t yet decided who to vote for to learn more about all the would-be MPs and how their policies will affect both small businesses and indeed all Thornbury and Yate constituents."


The event is part of the FSB's national campaign called #ibacksmallbusiness which is designed get all politicians signed up to show their support for the 99 per cent of private businesses in the UK which qualify as small or medium-sized enterprises.


It will be held in the Armadillio Youth Centre in Yate from 7pm to 9pm.


As places are limited anyone wishing to attend must register in advance by going to tinyurl.com/nr2q56t or by calling 01275 700801.