Romsey hosts Pre-Election Question Time

Added: (Mon Mar 08 2010)

Pressbox (Press Release) - It is that time again, election fever is in the air and a time to think about our future, but there is one small Hampshire town that could really put a spoke in the wheel. We know there must be some thing special about the town as both David Cameron and Nick Clegg have recently paid a visit. Could it be that Romsey have the ability to upset politics as we know it? With a population of only 18000 including the district, Romsey holds one of the closest marginal seats in the country and to help decide the winner of thie next general election the Chamber of Commerce are hosting a pre-election question time on 19th March.
Ruth Gower-Smith, President of the Chamber of Commerce said: “This is an exciting time for Romsey. We know that the general election is upon us and this gives us the ideal opportunity to ask all the candidates their views on any of the burning issues that we have.
"We are aware that businesses do not live in isolation of the community or the economic climate they have to operate in, what affects one will affect the other. With that in mind we are living in interesting times where we are operating in unchartered economic waters. Further more, we are entering an election where we have a whole generation who are eligible to vote and have known no other government.
“Romsey is one of the most closely contested seats in the country, so it is very important that we have this debate to ensure that every one is clear about what they are voting for.
“When I speak to people in Romsey, it is clear that there are many mixed views about what is right for the town and surrounding areas. The question time event is likely to be very lively and interesting, giving us the chance to explore all the different arguments and alternative solutions to the same problems. Allowing everyone to make informed decisions knowing the choices that are on offer.”
Slogging it out in this heavy weight contest will be Sandra Gidley MP; Liberal Democrats, Caroline Noakes; Conservatives who lost at the last election by a mere 125 votes, Chris Blumel; Green Party; and Aktar Beg for Labour. With
Peter Henley, Political Editor for BBC South chairing the event, and questions being taken direct from the audience it is likely to be a very interesting evening.
For further information contact ROMSEY & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
18 Market Place, Romsey, Hampshire; Tel: 01794 513135 Or email info@romseychamber.co.uk