The controversial debate between candidates standing for the Hayley Green and Cradley South election is going ahead this evening.

The debate was in danger of becoming a farce after a row between Councillor Hazel Turner and her Labour opponent over who would chair the debate.

Reverend Ernest Cruchley will chair the debate at the Lutley Community Centre tonight at 6pm despite complaints from Cllr Turner and her agent and husband Councillor Ken Turner about the clergyman being in the hotseat.

Labour candidate Ian Cooper, Cllr Turner and the BNP's Robert Weale have confirmed they will attend the debate but the Green Party's Colin Royale is unable to make the hustings, which is the only of its kind in Dudley borough this election.