A CAMPAIGN group has challenged general election candidates for St Helens South and Whiston to step into the public arena and debate their policies.

Chris Heywood, of 38degrees, which describes itself a non-political group supported by members donations, wants to stage a hustings in the constituency but has been frustrated by an apparent lack of response from candidates.

A hustings is scheduled to take place at St Helens Parish Church this Friday for both the St Helens North and St Helens South and Whiston constituencies, but 38degrees is keen for the latter to have its own public debate. 

Some voters have told the Star they believe the general election campaign in St Helens has been distinctively underwhelming so far.

Mr Heywood said: “For some time I have been trying to bring together, in a public forum, the parliamentary candidates for St Helens South and Whiston.

“I am proposing an hustings style meeting which would give them all a chance to put forward their personal views and proposals if they are elected to office. 

“I am appealing for the candidates or their representatives to contact me directly to arrange this and give us a chance to hear our potential representatives and note their promises for our future.

“Surely they will all welcome this opportunity to meet the voters.”

Mr Heywood believes he could secure a venue in Rainhill to host a debate on the evening of April 21.