The leaders of political parties trying to take control of Northamptonshire County Council came under fire from members of the public during a two-hour debate on the Chron’s website.
The leaders of the local Labour and Liberal Democrat groups as well as members of the Conservatives, UKIP, Green Party and independent candidates all took part in the debate on Friday afternoon.
During the session, many of the politicians faced tough questioning on their policies ahead of the May 2 election.
UKIP’s Margot Parker was forced to defend her group, arguing it was not merely there to collect protest votes.
She said: “We are not purely a protest vote, we cover all the issues which affect people’s lives - we have policies on all topics not just our membership of the EU!”
Liberal Democrat leader, Brendan Glynane, also had to defend his party, arguing its reputation had not been damaged by being part of the coalition Government.
He said: “We have hard working councillors across Northamptonshire, who deliver for local residents, I am confident that hard work will be rewarded at the ballot box.”
During the debate, issues which raised temperatures included hot topics such as the switch-off of street lights across the county and the state of Northamptonshire’s roads.
Questions were also asked about school places, tax rates, cuts to services and the investment in the Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership quango and its Brussels-based office in particular.
On street lights, the Liberal Democrat leader said: “On the doorstep, residents are telling us they’re afraid to go out at night, it was the wrong decision for the Tories to switch off our lights.”
His concerns were echoed by Labour leader, John McGhee, who added: “The real issue is the way the public, especially the frail and elderly, react to the cutting of lighting levels.”
Margot Parker from UKIP added: “We know that many people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, want the lights back on. Many aren’t going out at night at all anymore and resent being prisoners in their own homes.”
Other policy announcements made by the politicians during the debate included Labour’s pledge to build two new secondary schools in Northampton if elected.
The standard of child protection services provided by the county council, which has been judged to be inadequate by Ofsted, also came under the spotlight.
Speaking for the Conservatives, who have led the council since 2005, Heather Smith said improving the service was their “number one priority”.
That view was backed by the Liberal Democrats and Green Party candidate, Tony Clarke, who said vulnerable adults should also be a priority.
To read the entire debate, go here .