THE seven candidates fighting a marginal seat on Southend Council will be asked to face the public at a special hustings.

St Luke's was always regarded as a Labour stronghold but in recent years, elected two Tories leaving only one Labour member.

This year, the whole range of political opinion is represented.

The hustings is being organised by the St Luke's Partnership of residents and takes place on Tuesday, April 22, between 7pm and 9pm at St Edmunds Hall in Pantile Avenue.

John Barber, chairman of the Cluny Residents' Association, said: "Each candidate will be invited to give a short presentation on why residents should vote for them, focusing on local issues.

"They will then be invited to answer questions. The hustings will provide an opportunity to build up a relationship with whoever will be elected."

The candidates in St Luke's are: Peter Ashley (Con); Fenton Bowley (BNP); Anne Chalk (Lab); Lawrence Davies (UKIP); Robert Howes (Lib Dem); Cristian Ramis (Green); Paul Van Looy (Ind).