A Question Time-style evening in Corsham will go ahead after an 11th hour agreement following a dispute over the attendance of a BNP candidate.

The hustings for the Chippenham seat will take place tonight from 7pm at Corsham Community Centre, but the session will be split into two halves because of a row over the attendance of BNP candidate Michael Simpkins.

Conservative candidate Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones and Labour candidate Greg Lovell had both refused to share a stage with Mr Simpkins.

Lib Dem candidate Duncan Hames said he would have to deal with the fact the BNP were there as they had been invited by the event organisers.

Kevin Gaskin, administrator for event organisers Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN), said: “The first half will be for everyone, excluding the BNP. In the second half, the BNP will be invited to take their place on the stage and this means that candidates who want to stay can. I am happy with the outcome because we have an opportunity to hear from all of the candidates.”

The meeting will be led by Corsham Town Council chairman Allan Bosley and organisers are asking for residents to submit questions in advance by email to kevingaskin ccan@hotmail.co.uk.

It will be followed by a further hustings in Melksham at George Ward School on Sunday. The event, chaired by Brigadier Dougie Rowlinson, sees all candidates invited, but those who wish to decline may do so.