A leading regional newspaper is holding a major public debate on “the rural crisis.”

The Yorkshire Post is hosting the forum – which will be chaired by editor Jeremy Clifford – to give people a chance to quiz experts and to help position the paper at the heart of key issues affecting the region.

The forum is the fourth in the paper’s  ‘Big Debate’ series, with previous events being staged to discuss HS2, the North-South divide and fracking.

Managing Editor Nicola Furbisher said: “Rural councils are receiving 50 per cent less funding than their urban counterparts.

“Vital services and transport links are disappearing and villages are facing an exodus of young people in search of cheaper housing and better jobs.

“What annoys many rural residents is the indifference shown towards them by Britain’s political leaders whose decision-making is becoming more and more London-centric. This needs to change.”

She said rural communities formed a large proportion of  The Yorkshire Post readership and it was  clear many people felt the issue was being ignored.

“Our Big Debate gives a platform to people whose voices need to be heard,” she said.

The panel is due to include the Country Landowners’ Association Regional Director of Policy and Public Affairs Douglas Chalmers and Great Yorkshire Show Director Bill Cowling will help lead the debate and answer your questions.

Other panel members are Jules Marley, from the Council for the Protection of Rural England, and Richmondshire District Council leader John Blackie.

The event takes place on April 30 at The Cedar Court Hotel, in Harrogate.