Kingswood by-election - watch highlights of debate

1. Our debate with the candidates for the Kingswood by-election has finished but you'll be able to watch it back soon
2. Kingswood is on the northern outskirts of Bristol - but will be abolished as a seat at the next general election
3. The poll was sparked when Conservative Chris Skidmore stood down from his seat
4. He quit over the government's energy plans
5. Subjects covered include drug misuse and building on the green belt
6. BBC Radio Bristol's John Darvall hosted the debate which was also on BBC Radio Bristol

Goodbye

That's where we leave things for now.

Thanks for joining us for today's live Kingswood by-election debate.

Highlights: Damien Egan says Kingswood's streets are 'filthy'

Damien Egan on Kingswood's dirty streets

Highlights: Andrew Brown says 'we should look at decriminalising certain drugs'

Lib Dem candidate Andrew Brown suggests 'decriminalising certain drugs'

Highlights: Area not 'overwhelmed' by immigration, says Lorraine Francis

South Gloucestershire not 'overwhelmed' by immigration, says Lorraine Francis

When is the by-election?

The all-important day when voters go to the polls is a week today - Thursday 15 February.

Of course, we'll be bringing you all the coverage across tv, radio and online.

In case you missed it

If you missed today's debate, or want to go back to watch it again, it is now available to view by clicking on the video in this post and at the top of the page.

You can also head to BBC iPlayer to watch at your leisure.

Highlights: Rupert Lowe says 'drugs is a systemic problem'

Rupert Lowe took part in the debate

Highlights: Sam Bromiley on more police needed to tackle drugs issue

Councillor Sam Bromiley says more police are needed to tackle drugs

'Relish chance for pitches at end of debate'

Paul Barltrop

Political Editor, West of England

The candidates relished their chance to proclaim their key messages during the 30” second-pitch they were able to make at the end.

Labour’s Damien Egan mentioned the NHS and cost of living, Reform’s Rupert Lowe brought up Brexit, and Sam Bromiley yet again said he was the only candidate who lived in the constituency.

Rupert Lowe of the Reform Party said he believed there was "an immigration crisis" which is "a major issue".

He added that if it was not dealt with then it would "affect this generation and the generation to come after that".

The Green Party's Lorraine Francis asked for people to vote for her as it was "the most progressive" option.

"Chris Skidmore stood down because of environmental issues. The Conservatives and Labour have let us all down, not just in Kingswood," she added.

Labour’s Damien Egan said he would fight for families in Kingwood for who the tax burden is higher than ever but people were getting less for their money.

"People can’t get a dentist, there are less police on street," he said.

Mr Egan added that he was from the area and had the experience to do the job.

In his pitch, Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Brown said voters should look beyond the Tory and Labour parties.

"We’ve been let down by a Conservative government that is clinging on by its fingernails and now Labour is rowing back on its commitments.

"We need a different way of doing things."

The Conservative's Sam Bromiley is first up.

He said: "I’m the only candidate who lives in the constituency and I'm embedded in the community.

"I will protect the green belt and fight for local issues like the regeneration of our high street."

As we approach the end of this debate - where did that time go - the candidates are given the change to finish with a 30-second pitch.

The candidates are then asked more of a light-hearted question about where they would go for a drink in Kingswood on a Saturday night.

There are a couple of shouts for Wetherspoons and one for the nightclub Chasers which our very own Pete Simson mentioned in the build-up to this debate.

Labour’s Damien Egan said the country needed to make more use of renewable energy, adding "we need to stand on our own two feet as a country" and be less reliant on other countries.

He said: "People want to see reduced bills."

After hearing some listeners' views we're onto the next topic, which is climate change.

Lib Dem Andrew Brown said there needs to be better access to recycling and waste disposal sites, adding that it is "a cross-border issue" and it needs a more joined-up approach between authorities.

No mention of local council funding deficits

Pete Simson

Political reporter, BBC Radio Bristol

The candidates are debating access to Special Educational Needs support for children in South Gloucestershire.

None have mentioned the problem of local council funding deficits in this area.

The Local Government Association have estimated council deficits in their SEND budgets could reach £3.6bn by 2025.