HEALTH, education, immigration, expenses and Afghanistan were just a few of the topics debated during a husting which lasted for more than 90 minutes.

The mood was largely genial, but hostilities did occasionally erupt, notably after one couple raised fears over immigration.

Mr Russell forcefully asked them which immigrants they referred to, and was told they meant those staying in detention centres.

He said: “This town has had a proud record over the centuries of welcoming people. When you talk about immigrants you had better describe which ones you want and which ones you don’t want.”

But Mr Quince replied: “When you go out on the doorstep, it’s one of the biggest issues people talk about. I’ve knocked on thousands of doors over the last year, and it is.

“Look at the size of our town already. Look at the new developments, look at the congestion.”

To that, Mr Lynn later replied: “Those are issues, but they’re not caused by immigrants.”

Throughout the debate, there was angry head shaking, muttering and plenty of cries of “that’s not true”.

On occasions there were exchanges between candidates, and members of the audience and even between the audience.

Candidates were quizzed by Tim Oxton on the “colossal waste of life” in Afghanistan, by Peter Emeny on the rising cost of running the NHS, and by Mary Bryan on the future of secondary education in Colchester.

Those in the audience were not afraid to voice their disagreement with the opinions offered by the quartet.

Mr Lynn voiced opposition to the recent move of the Walk In Centre from Middleborough in the town centre, to Turner Road, near Colchester General Hospital.

Mr Emeny replied: “I have used it and I have to say the conditions there and the overall provision of services was second-to-none.”

Mr Newell was put on the spot when asked if Labour voters should tactically vote for the Lib Dems to keep the Conservatives out.

He replied: “I would urge people to vote with their conscience.”