MEMBERS of the public have the chance to grill local decision makers in a Question Time-style event. The Great Hitchin Debate will take place on Monday, April 23 and has been organised by local group Keep Hitchin Special as a way for residents to ask coun

MEMBERS of the public have the chance to grill local decision makers in a Question Time-style event.

The Great Hitchin Debate will take place on Monday, April 23 and has been organised by local group Keep Hitchin Special as a way for residents to ask councillors and local community group members about issues affecting the town.

Among those issues likely to be discussed are the future of Hitchin Town Hall, the town's sports pavilions, Hitchin Museum, the market, Churchgate, the closure of public conveniences, the future of the Hitchin area committee and whether the town should have its own town council.

The meeting will be chaired by the Rev Michael Roden of St Mary's Church and panel members will include Hitchin councillors and election candidates, and could also include members of Hitchin community groups.

The event is open to members of the public and advance questions may be handed in to the Hitchin Town Centre Initiative office in Churchyard.

Names and contact numbers must be included with the question and the author must be at the town hall to present their question.

Questions will be accepted at the office until midday on Friday, April 20 but other questions will be taken from the floor on the night. Chris Parker, speaking on behalf of Keep Hitchin Special, said the meeting should identify what the town's councillors or candidates, once elected, are prepared to do for the town and the community. The debate will take place between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Hitchin Town Hall.