A hustings event scheduled for this evening (May 31) has been cancelled with organisers citing a poor predicted turnout.

The event, organised by Preston BID and North Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, was to see Labour candidate and MP seeking re-election Mark Hendrick debate with Liberal Democrat challenger Neil Derby and Conservative hopeful Kevin Beaty.

Only those from a business audience were allowed to attend but many have mentioned half-term as a reason they couldn’t be at the event.

More: General Election 2017 candidates for Preston

The event was supposed to take place at the Harris Building in the University of Central Lancashire from 5-7pm.

Mark Whittle, BID Manager for Preston City Centre, said: “Despite best efforts to encourage attendance, numbers were very low with many local businesses siting half-term being the reason they were unable to attend.”