WARRINGTON South's candidates faced off in front of a packed audience at a hustings session at Friends Meeting House on Thursday night.

Five of the constituency's hopefuls were in attendance at the Buttermarket Street site but Halton's Green Party candidate, David Melvin, stepped in for Steph Davies, who was not present due to personal matters.

Audience members were given the chance to quiz each party representative on issues ranging from protecting the environment to global and social justice.

The early topic of discussion concerned renewable energy - a source which Conservative MP David Mowat labelled as 'very important'.

Labour's Nick Bent admitted it will remain a 'tough' period for the country but pledged to freeze energy bills for residents if elected.

It was not long before the debate turned to tackling one of the country's striking topics - the deficit.

But UKIP candidate Malcolm Lingley admitted he was 'unsure' over elements of the party's plan to tackle the matter after May 7.

"I am 12 months into politics and learning all the time," he added.

An audience member responded and outlined his intention to 'enlighten' Mr Lingley over UKIP's plan.

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition's candidate, Kevin Bennett, hit out at private companies for the damage on public services and vowed to combat the problem.

"We do it for the people not for the billionaires and bankers," he said.

Issues surrounding HS2 were brought up by a concerned audience member and Mr Melvin confirmed the Green Party is strongly against the move before calling for an 'electrification of more of the public railways'.

A member of the audience told Mr Mowat Lymm residents 'keep asking' where HS2 'is going' and urged for an announcement to be made.

The MP responded: "It won't come before the General Election."

As the evening entered its final stage, Liberal Democrat candidate, Bob Barr, hailed his party for the 'enormous amount of action' which has led to change in the country, including for the rise in apprenticeships.

After question time elapsed, it was up to each candidate to map out their plans if elected on May 7 and ultimately to persuade voters to back them - all within one minute.

Cllr Bennett (TUSC - Fairfield and Howley) opened the final proceedings and declared: "I believe this election will be a turning point for TUSC.

"I believe Labour will carry on with austerity measures."

Mr Bent hit back and urged residents in the town to back his party to ensure positive change.

He added: "Warrington will have a brighter future with Labour ruling the country."

A statement on behalf of Mrs Davies said: "There has been a genuine shift towards the values of the Green Party - it is a great movement."

Cllr Barr (LD - Lymm) addressed the electorate to back the party to help sustain growth and development.

"None of the parties have sorted Warrington's issues," he said.

"We will sort the congestion. We have a strong record - we have improved housing."

Mr Lingley said: "I am a working man on a zero-hour contract.

"I want to give people a choice different to the three established parties."

Mr Mowat was left with the final task of putting forward his view.

"I agree with Bob (Barr) that Warrington has been ignored," he said.

"But we have got the two bridges that we need and the economy is working."

The event was hosted by Warrington Friends of the Earth and Low Carbon Lymm.

To see coverage of the meeting click here.