THE Argus is helping voters in Newport hear more from some of the election candidates hoping to be elected to the city council next month at a special hustings event.

The debate on Friday, April 28, which has been organised by the Argus, will be held at the University of South Wales’ city campus in the centre of Newport and will see officials from all the major parties running for the council in May answer questions on a range of issues in front of an audience of voters.

The Argus is holding the free event to ensure as many people as possible are involved in debates in the run up to the local election on May, 4.

All major parties contesting seats in Newport have been invited, with confirmed attendees including the council’s current leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox, representing Labour, head of the city’s Conservative group Cllr Matthew Evans and leader of the newly-formed Newport Independents Party Cllr Kevin Whitehead.

Deputy leader of the Wales Green Party Pippa Bartolotti will also attend, as well as Jonathan Clark, representing Plaid Cymru, and Joe Crocker, representing Ukip.

The city’s Liberal Democrat group was yet to confirm it a representative will attend as the Argus went to press.

The evening, which will be held in a room capable of holding 180 people, will see questions from the floor on four themes, including regeneration, education, services in your street and what should Newport look like at the end of the next council term.

The Argus will provide full coverage of the event, which will run from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

Argus editor Nicole Garnon, who will also chair the event, said: “We are looking forward to a lively evening of debate.

“Newport has undergone immense change in the past few years but there is still much to be done for the city to achieve its maximum potential.”

“The city council plays a pivotal role in the local economy, regeneration and so much else in the city. The successful candidates in these elections will take on some huge responsibilities. It is right that their ideas and manifesto pledges are scrutinised by the people of Newport.”

Tickets are available free on a first come, first served basis at http://bit.ly/2oLxWnv.