Chance to quiz local public figures at Exeter Question Time

People are being given an opportunity to quiz a panel of politicians, councillors and local personalities including Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw at a free event during Local Democracy Week.

Tickets are now available - at no charge - for an Exeter Question Time event, which takes place at Exeter's College's CCI Theatre, at 7pm on Friday 18 October. Call 01392 265891 to book a free ticket.

On the panel and taking questions from the public will be: Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw; Express and Echo Editor, Paul Burton; Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture; Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Exeter; Cllr Adrian Fullam, Leader of Exeter's Liberal Democrat Group; Andrew Bell of the Green Party; and Adam Kelly, a student at Exeter College. Chairing the evening will be Paul Nero, of Radio Exe.

The special event has been organised by Exeter City Council and JAx Journalism Academy at Exeter College as part of Local Democracy Week, which runs from 14 to 20 October.

The aim of Local Democracy Week is to motivate people to take part in decision making processes at grassroots level. The event at Exeter College isn't the only thing taking place in Exeter during the week.

On Wednesday 16 October, Never Mind the Ballots gives people the chance to go along to the Bike Shed Theatre at 6.30pm for an informal chat with people who makes things happen in the area, whether they are local councillors, community activists or just ordinary residents.

'Being a Councillor - You Can make a Difference!' is the name of an informative workshop being run by the City Council and Exeter Council for Voluntary Services (CVS). People can attend either on 17 October at 6.30pm at the Civic Centre or on 18 October at 10am at CVS. To book a place call 01392 202055.

Students from the College will be in Bedford Square on 17 October, offering members of the public the chance to deliver their own 30-second manifesto for the city, which will be fimed on camera by the students. Whether people want a swimming pool or brand new athletics track, more money for housing or more cash to clean up grafitti, this is a chance for people to have their say. The students will also be working with the City Council during the week and looking at how democracy works in the city.