LOCAL environmental group Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) is holding a 'Green Question Time' event with top Welsh politicians.

The group is holding the panel discussion as part of its third AGM on Thursday, March 8 at the Windsor Arms pub. It will give the people of Penarth a chance to question the politicians on environmental and sustainability issues.

In addition to GPG's practical community projects – such as the orchard, Shop in Penarth and the Local Food Festival – raising awareness of issues around climate change and sustainability is a key aim for the group.

Members hope that this event, which brings together an impressive list of national politicians, will get people thinking about issues on a local and national level. The five panellists who will be answering questions and representing their parties' views are:

* Pippa Bartolotti - leader of the Wales Green Party and a prominent member of the campaign against the Newport incinerator.

* Vaughan Gething AM - local Welsh Labour Assembly Member for Cardiff South and Penarth

* David Melding AM - Welsh Conservative AM for South Wales Central and Deputy Presiding Officer of the Assembly

* Eluned Parrott AM - Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales Central

* Leanne Wood AM - Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central and candidate in Plaid's leadership contest.

The discussion will be chaired by Professor Ian Hargreaves, a Penarth resident and well-known journalist, broadcaster and academic. A former Editor of the Independent and the New Statesman, he is currently Professor of Digital Economy at Cardiff University.

The organisers anticipate a lively and informative discussion.

"We're really pleased that politicians at a national level have agreed to take part in this Penarth event‚" said GPG member Anthony Slaughter.

"They represent a variety of views from across the political spectrum and it will be a wonderful opportunity for the public to question them on a range of issues."

The AGM starts at 6pm on Thursday, March 8, with the 'Green Question Time' starting at 6.30pm. Entry is free and the event is open to all but organisers recommend arriving early to be sure of a seat.

For more information or to suggest possible questions for the panel visit gpgpenarth.org.uk