Sidmouth Town Council is warmly inviting residents to come along to their next surgery and drop in session where they can meet councillors, share their views and talk through ideas, concerns and local challenges in a relaxed and friendly setting.
The next drop in is at Stowford Community Centre on Saturday 22 August between 10 am and 12pm and is the second one to be hosted in the building after feedback from Members of the public who had asked for such an opportunity to informally talk with Councillors. Sessions give residents the chance to meet local Town and District Councillors on an informal one-to-one basis, making it easier to have open conversations outside the usual setting of council meetings.
The sessions will also give councillors a better chance to hear what matters most to local people, pick up on issues early and understand the priorities of different parts of the community. In turn, that can help the Council respond more effectively and keep local voices at the heart of decision-making.
The initiative is running as a six-month pilot. During that time, the Council will look at feedback, attendance and how useful the conversations have been. If the pilot is successful, the scheme could continue as a regular way for residents and councillors to stay in touch.
Councillor Hilary Nelson, Chair of Sidmouth Town Council, said: “We hope these informal drop in sessions will make it easier for residents to talk to us, share their ideas and let us know what matters to them. We would love people to come along, have a chat and help us make Sidmouth even better for everyone.”