UKIP's Halesowen and Rowley Regis candidate Councillor Dean Perks has instigated a debate between the election hopefuls in the Haden Cross Inn.

Mr Perks challenged James Morris and Stephanie Peacock on Twitter to debate the issues and both have agreed after the Friends of Haden Cross agreed to organise the event.

Mr Perks, who is councillor for Upper Gornal and Woodsetton said: "I think it is only right people get to see candidates for themselves and this debate is a great way.

"It is all very well writing stuff on leaflets but people want to see what type of person they are voting for."

He added: "I was not getting anywhere asking in private so I decided to ask James and Stephanie publicly on Twitter and after the Friends group stepped into organise the debate they agreed.

"There have been similar debates in pubs in other parts of the country and they have been a huge success."

Tim Haskey, founder of the Friends group, said: "We are the only pub which is listed as a community asset in Sandwell so this debate is exactly the type of event we should be getting involved in.

"The candidates will introduce themselves and then take questions from the floor, afterwards the candidates will remain so people can talk to them on a one to one basis."

The debate will be held on Tuesday, April 21.