MORE than 50 voters turned out to watch three of Newport's election candidates battle it out.

At the hustings meeting on Wednesday night, hosted by Newport Trades Council and the city's Friends of the Earth group, Green Party leader in Wales Pippa Bartolotti, for Malpas ward took on Plaid Cymru's Christopher Paul, for Victoria, and Labour's Debbie Wilcox for the Gaer.

Chairwoman June Ralph conducted proceedings, at University of Wales' city campus in Newport.

The trio were asked questions from the audience on issues including the proposed incinerator at Llanwern and the M4 corridor enhancement scheme. City centre regeneration plans also came up for discussion.

They were also asked to support several pledges by the organisers- to support campaigns against public service job cuts, fair pay and pensions for workers and to ensure no more public services are privatised.

Each candidate gave a short speech about what they would strive to do if elected on May 3, before the audience asked questions.

All three were against the proposed incinerator.

The M4 corridor enhancement scheme was one of the next topics discussed, after a member of the audience raised concerns about one proposal to widen the motorway between junction 24 and 29 to create a four lane motorway and an additional tunnel at Brynglas, costing £550m.

Ms Bartolotti said the solution was to look at alternative ways of crossing Newport, including cycling.

Sitting Gaer councillor Wilcox said current car ownership is not sustainable and public transport needs to be reinvigorated. Mr Paul said an integrated transport system was "very sensible."

Ms Bartolotti said out-of-town shopping developments were to blame for Newport city centre's downfall and she would encourage the use of empty shops to focus on bringing in local people selling local crafts.

Mr Paul said a lot should be done to support retail innovation and business rates are too high for that to happen.

Councillor Wilcox suggested Newport could model itself on Cardiff Bay.

* Ms Ralph said the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were invited to take part in the meeting but the organisers had not received a response.