Election Meeting in Darnall

Local residents have called for an old fashioned hustings meetings in Darnall to meet the candidates who are standing for election on 1 May. Half of the candidates have already agreed to attend, including Mary Lea, who has held the seat for Labour for the past four years.

The meeting will be held at Darnall Community Forum, which is based in the former Rose and Crown public house on Main Road. It will take place on Tuesday at 7pm.

Residents have already framed a set of questions for the candidates to answer, which are based on the Community Action Plan they have devised. Concerns have been raised about crime and safety, education, employment and training, the environment, local health facilities and activities for children and young people. 'But anyone is welcome to come along and ask their own questions, too,' says Marie Gregory, who will be chairing the meeting.

'I think this is a really great idea and I am delighted to attend,' Mary Lea said. 'It is good to get back to some old fashioned politics and I look forward to answering people's questions.'

The other candidates who have so far agreed to attend are Julie White from the Green party, who says she is always happy to answer questions, and Charlotte Schofield from UKIP who says that she is also happy to be involved. The Liberal Democrat candidate, Misbah Chowdhury, said, 'I will try my best to attend.'

Mary Lea is pictured on a visit to the Darnall Forum employment roadshow, which has been parked in different parts of Darnall this week.