WITH just under a fortnight to go to the European elections, candidates from the West Midlands will do battle at a hustings event being held in Droitwich on Monday (May 12).
The evening of heated debate will take place at 7.30pm at the St Andrews Town Hotel.
It will be chaired by former BBC Hereford and Worcester radio presenter Tony Fisher and five candidates have been confirmed so far – Alex Avern (Conservative), Phil Bennion (Liberal Democrat), James Carver (UKIP), Nikki Sinclaire (We Demand a Referendum) and Lynda Waltho (Labour).
The event has been organised by Karen Tomalin who owns Bras 2 U in Droitwich.
She said it started off after a visit from Nikki Sinclaire to a business breakfast meeting when TLC member Michael de Groot from Staying Alive UK suggested holding an American style debate to enable residents to find out more about membership of the EU.
Karen told The Standard it was thanks to social networking that the word got out there and that candidates came forward.
“The power of social media should never be underestimated as tweet after tweet and re-tweets were sent, debates began happening.
“I am pleased because when you organise these things, you think it’s not going to happen.”
And she said she wished there would be more enthusiasm for the European elections.
“People do not realise how important they are and how important Europe is.
“Talking to business clients, you realise a lot of them dismiss it when they should be really doing the opposite and finding out more.
“A lot of people say they are not going to vote which frustrates me.
“Hopefully the hustings will rouse some enthusiasm and inspire more people to take an interest.”
Anyone wanting to attend the event on Monday can just turn up at the door.
For more information, call Karen Tomalin 01905 774600.
