Sidmouth Town Council appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair at their Annual Meeting held on Monday 12 May. Cllr Hilary Nelson has replaced Cllr Chris Lockyear, who steps down after three successful years as Chair. Cllr Nelson previously served as the Vice Chair of the Council for the last three years. Cllr Paul Dodds has stepped up to be the new Vice Chair. Both were unanimously elected at the Town Council Annual Meeting on 12th May 2025.
The Town Council also appointed the Chairs of its four main committees. Cllr Kelvin Dent continues as Chair of Planning and Cllr Ian Barlow as Chair of Environment. The Tourism and Economy Committee has a new Chair in Cllr Edward Willis Fleming, while Cllr Rachel Perram takes over as Chair of Youth Provision.
On taking office, Cllr Nelson said: “In Sidmouth we are truly fortunate to have an exceptionally strong community, where people care for our town and for one another and who work hard to make the Sid Valley the best place it can be in which to live, work and visit. As a Town Council, our job is to support everyone in our community and our dedicated officers and enthusiastic team of volunteer Town Councillors work hard to do just that, putting in a huge amount of time, energy and commitment. Over the next few years, one of our focuses will be on local government reorganisation. While we await confirmation from central government as to what form this will take, we know that, for the first time in fifty years, there is likely to be an opportunity to consider how services are provided to local people and who is best placed to provide those services”
“The Town Council will continue to work to support the business community, including the High Street, and to enhance support for culture and the Arts. The Council will maintain strong partnerships with a range of organisations to deliver improvements to the natural environment and public open spaces. It will build upon a robust neighbourhood plan which advocates for sensitive development in the Sid Valley. The Council has also recently reiterated its commitment to providing services for young people across the Sid Valley which are relevant and responsive to their needs and aspirations. In all these areas Town Councillors will continue to dedicate their time and efforts and keep working hard for local people.”