THE MESSAGE that Britain is stronger and safer in the European Union was made in resounding fashion at an 'In' evening in Bradford on Avon on Thursday (June 2).

Close to 150 people turned out to St Margaret's Hall to hear speakers give a two-minute speech about why the nation should remain in the EU.

Arguments for staying came from a university viewpoint, farming, workers, pensioners, medical research, architects, local businesses, young people, environmental and for peace and stability

A level student at the Clarendon Academy, Trowbridge, Isabelle Reynolds said that although she was too young to vote she was keen to make a difference and spoke of the benefits of the Erasmus programme.

"If I had a vote I would definitely vote to stay in and I urge you to think about the future generations on June 23," said the 16-year-old, the only speaker to successfully complete her speech in under two minutes.

After the speeches she added:"It was quite a difficult format as there are so many reasons for staying in the EU and it was great to see a lot of support from people.

"It was good to have a lot of different perspectives and each one was very engaging and to the point which was important."

Richard Jotcham, Axess Technologies ltd, Trowbridge, tried to dispel myths that he said were being peddled by Leave campaign.

"Firstly they say 'Businesses can pursue business elsewhere' - this is rubbish. The EU has no effect on that except to say they want to use us as a conduit to a major market in the Eu," he said.

"Second, 'Regulations are hampering UK companies to operate' - again nonsense. If you try to trade with the IRS it is much worse. With the EU we formulated most of those regulations as we had a say in it.

"Finally, 'All we do is feed money into the EU with little benefit'. We are one of the main benefactors of Horizon 22 funding and without this start up businesses will not stand a chance. This government has cut all the funding to small businesses since the coalition. So vote remain."

Other speakers were Oliver Dowding, National Farmers Union, Sarah Gibson, LABOX Architecture, Tina Johnston, Environmentalist, Rosey MacGregor, South West TUC, Professor Roy Jones, The Research Institute for The Care of Older People, Ashley Seath, Bradford on Avon Seniors Forum, John Dunford, Poet Steven Williams and Professor Neil Sammells, Provost Bath Spa University.

Compere Pavel Douglas said: "If you can get involved in an open discussion that is great and we had that here. It was short, punchy and to the point which is what is needed."