'Should York abandon ambitions to be a significant European City and concentrate resources on its own community culture?' Without Walls is asking residents to have their say at the city's fourth 'hot topic' debate on Monday (14 July).

Four speakers are booked for the event which will be chaired by Kevin Lavery from Agilisys and held in 'Oxford Union' style, giving plenty of opportunity for lively discussion from the floor. Tickets for the event are free of charge but due to limited seating, people are encouraged to book in advance.

The 'hot topic' events are being organised by York's local strategic partnership, Without Walls under the 'Festival of Ideas' banner.

Future plans include ward committee community planning events over the summer, a public city-wide conference in the autumn, video projects allowing residents to record their views on tape and a postcard initiative in schools linked to the citizenship curriculum.

Debates to look out for in the next few weeks are: 'Why should York want to become a world class Science City?' and 'Do students add value to the life of the city?'