TAUNTON residents will be able to challenge the people seeking to represent them for the next four years at two separate hustings being held in the first week in April.

Taunton voters will go to the polls on May 2 for the first ever election for the new Somerset West and Taunton Council, which replaces Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council on April 1.

To provide a forum for constructive debate, Richard Huish College will host events on Monday and Wednesday evenings (April 1 and 3), giving candidates a platform and allow residents to put their concerns across.

The first event, organised jointly by Taunton Transition Town and Taunton Green Parents, will focus on climate change and the environment, and will run from 7pm to 9pm.

The format will be “based on the BBC’s Question Time“, where questions submitted in advance can be put to a panel of five candidates.

Even if you’ve not been able to submit a question, you may still be able to ask questions from the floor during the wider debate.

The following candidates have been confirmed for this event:

John Hunt (Independent)

Dave Mansell (Green)

Robert Rawle (Labour)

Federica Smith-Roberts (Liberal Democrats)

John Williams (Conservative)

A spokesperson said: “An independent chair will ensure each panellist gets a say.

“This is a valuable opportunity to get to know your political representatives so that you can vote wisely on May 2.”

Free tickets to this event are available via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-election-hustings-climate-change-and-the-environment-tickets-55924809611.

The second event, on Wednesday (April 3), will be hosted by Taunton People for Change between 6pm and 8pm.

Six candidates will be subjected to questions from the public, with the County Gazette editor Paul Jones in the chair.

The panel will comprise the following:

Roger Habgood (Conservative)

Clive Martin (Green)

Ian Morrell (Independent)

Libby Lisgo (Labour)

Mike Rigby (Liberal Democrat)

John Williams (Conservative)

The event will focus on a single issue: “Does Taunton need new leadership to secure its status and future prosperity as Somerset’s county town?”

A spokesperson said: “Over the past ten years or more, too many of us have watched in despair as Taunton has lost its way and stood motionless under the leadership of the present council.

“Meanwhile, towns like Bridgwater and Frome, and nearby cities like Exeter have advanced and developed, with their communities becoming more prosperous.

“And yet, we all live in a town which offers so much hope and opportunity for the future. It just needs to be unlocked.

“The hustings on April 3 will be your opportunity to challenge all the political parties, and to test their leadership credentials. We want to hear their vision and plans for Taunton, our county town, in the new Somerset West & Taunton Council.”

Those wishing to attend the second hustings can submit questions via www.tauntonpeopleforchange.co.uk. The event is free to attend.