Romsey'S general election Labour candidate has warned changes to the area's infrastructure are needed to meet south-east England's housing needs.

Plans to build 10,000 homes at Lee were highlighted a few weeks ago and Matt Stevens said: "The Pompey to Bournemouth area is a growth area which means more housing. We need more housing and have to face the facts that building is going to happen, like it or not. And if we are going to build more homes we need more infrastructure." Mr Stevens comments came during a public question time involving all four candidates fighting the general election in the Romsey constituency.

"The next government needs to make better use of brownfield sites. The question is do you want expansion and growth? Growth can be controlled. There is going to be great pressure for expansion. Romsey and the surrounding area in line for massive change," said Mr Stevens introducing himself to an audience of around 200 members of the public at Wednesday's debate organised by the Association of Romsey Churches.

He said the south-east was at the hub of information technology and people wanted to come and live in the Romsey area. Caroline Nokes (Conservative), Sandra Gidley (Lib Dem) and Michael Wigley (UK Independence Party) were also on the political platform.

Answering a question about his views on the environment and climate change, Mr Wigley said Europe was proud of its record on the environment but it had resulted in a huge fridge mountain and he said he'd like to see carbon dioxide emissions restricted.

Mrs Nokes explained the environment didn't respect national boundaries. "Pollution and climate change effects everyone. We've got to look beyond Europe to the United States and bring its government on board. On this, I find myself in agreement with Tony Blair (the prime minister has gone on record as saying climate change is the most important facing Britain at the moment).

"It's not too late to put it right," added the borough cabinet member.

Labour's Mr Stevens said: "This is something that we have to take responsibility for. It is the most important issue and we need to bring the Americans back to the Kyoto agreement. America is the biggest polluter.

And the Lib Dems Mrs Gidley added: "This is one area where Europe has made a difference. Europe is clean. This hasn't been on the election agenda but it should be at the top. Carbon dioxide taxes should be introduced on people driving big cars."

During a question submitted by John Cuthbert relating to upholding Christian values, the Labour candidate told the audience, he did not believe in the church. " I am an atheist but I will abide by laws if I am elected," said Mr Stevens.

Mrs Gidley said different Christian beliefs had different values. She said the Roman Catholic Church did not believe in contraception but in her view this was responsible for many deaths from AIDS that could have been prevented if people had used condoms.

Dealing with Britain's future role in Iraq, Mrs Nokes said the West had a responsibility to supply aid and ensure the road to democracy continued.

Mrs Gidley made it clear she did not support the war but said Britain's troops were the best in the world in the peace building process unlike the "aggressive" Americans.

Mr Wigley said it was important to establish democracy and warned that unless there was a stable regime was needed in Iraq. Many other issues were dealt with including school dinners and community hospitals. Members of the panel were united that Romsey Hospital should remain at the heart of the community.

Romsey resident Rod Brayshaw was booed and hissed at as he attempted to ask questions about Mrs Gidley's expenses as an MP. Romsey's county councillor Liz Barron led the protest against Mr Brayshaw's questions, which were blocked by the meeting's chairman, the Rev Peter Tongeman, who suggested the matter should be dealt with privately.