CREWE and Nantwich election candidates are to take part in a ‘Question time’ hustings event.

The event is to take place on Wednesday, April 8 from 6.45pm, with the panel session to begin at 7pm, at The White Lion, 31 Main Road, Weston, Crewe.

The panellists will be Edward Timpson, (Conservative), Adrian Heald (Labour), Roy Wood (Liberal Democrats) and Richard Lee (UKIP).

The session will be chaired by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Crewe and Nantwich branch Chairman, Sandy Cowen. o Ms Cowen said: “The FSB’s hustings event will be a real opportunity for local business owners to put the Crewe and Nantwich parliamentary candidates on the spot, to find out what they plan to do to support enterprise and growth in the constituency.”

Hustings events are held to provide voters with an opportunity to hear the views of candidates or parties standing for election, which will take place on Thursday, May 7.

The FSB's Crewe and Nantwich branch is seeking questions from local business owners and entrepreneurs in advance of the event.

The FSB is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms.

It was formed in 1974, and now has around 200,000 members across 33 regions and 188 branches.

Ms Cowen, who is the owner of Alexander Paper Supplies in Nantwich, said: “We want to help our members make an informed choice at the ballot box in May’s election."

“I expect there will be questions on subjects ranging from very local issues to how national policies will impact on small businesses in Crewe and Nantwich.

“As a member-led organisation it is important that the FSB provides a platform for the views, issues and concerns of local small business owners – and that we allow the parliamentary candidates to state their case. I urge local entrepreneurs to submit their questions and come along on the night.”

Business owners should register for the hustings event by emailing branch Secretary Yvette Hastings at yvette@novanutri.co.uk or calling 01270 766439. FSB members and guests are welcome.

Following registration they should email questions to Sandy Cowen at sandy@alexanderpapersupplies.co.uk or Yvette Hastings on yvette@novanutri.co.uk