A HEATED debate about the single currency is set to take place in Atherton after MEP Chris Davies agreed to face questions from a group of Euro-sceptics.

Members of the town's Sailors and Soldiers Club decided to take action when they read a letter from the politician in The Journal two weeks ago, which challenged critics of the EU to a discussion about the future of the pound.

Secretary Douglas Findlay telephoned us to say his organisation wanted to grill the Euro MP, so we gave him a call in Strasbourg and he agreed to come to Atherton in September.

Mr Davies, one of 10 MEPs who represent the North West region at the European Parliament, said: "I will most definitely be willing to hold a debate in Atherton and will pay half the costs.

"I held my first debate in Stockport last week, which went very well, and will be visiting Fleetwood, Southport and Carlisle in the coming weeks."

The Sailors and Soldiers Club is delighted the MEP will be visiting the area and is now looking to call his office in Stockport and set a date in the next few days. They hope to have Professor Steve Bush, a member of the UK Independence Party, to spearhead their attack in the debate which will take place at the club on High Street.

Mr Findlay, from Astley, said: "We would have liked it to have been held a little sooner, but we will be happy to meet him whenever."

Mr Davies stressed that the debate must stick to the issue of whether the pound should be scrapped in favour of the Euro.

He said: "Many people want to discuss the European Union itself, but none of the parties have talked about pulling out.

"I want to talk about the issue we will be facing shortly, whether to introduce the single currency or not. It is a referendum debate before it starts."