100 local residents took up the chance to grill their MP recently as Grant Shapps launched his first town hall-style ‘Shapps Unscripted’ event.

The event – the first of six with every Welwyn Hatfield resident invited to attend at least one – was held at Beales Hotel in Hatfield.

“We’re inviting every single person in Welwyn Hatfield to come and ask the questions. I think it’s really important for people to get the chance to ask me about the things that matter to them in a really direct way.

“It’s quite easy for politicians to slip into this ‘soundbite mode’ where you can produce a snappy slogan to address what’s actually quite a complex issue. So as an antidote to that approach I’m returning to the old-style town hall meeting. There are no speeches or planted questions and I might not be word perfect, but at least people are getting a chance to air their views face-to-face.

“At the meeting we discussed loads of issues including Salisbury Village, Hatfield Town Centre, pensions, the economy, Afghanistan and plenty more. It was a real mix. But I think the important thing is that I didn’t decide the agenda – that was entirely up to local people.”

Lynne Sparks, a local resident who attended the evening, said it was a refreshing chance to quiz the MP: “Grant does actually stay in good contact with local people already, but I think this was an added bonus. It was very interesting and he tried to answer everyone’s questions without any waffle.”

The next meeting is on 11th February at St Peter’s Catholic Church on Bishops Rise, 7.30pm. Readers can go online to www.shapps.com/unscripted or call 01707 262 632 to book a place and see details of later events.

ENDS