FED-UP with being 'Sidmouth's poor relation', Sidbury residents have raised the issue of having their own parish council to look after affairs in the village.

FED-UP with being 'Sidmouth's poor relation', Sidbury residents have raised the issue of having their own parish council to look after affairs in the village.It currently falls under the jurisdiction of Sidmouth Town Council but some villagers feel they do not get their money's worth."We're a very small cog in a big machine," said Alan Softly of Ridgway."If we had our own council, we would be masters of our own destiny."There is sufficient organisation, and Sidbury is known for its ability to work together."Ward councillor Christine Drew said: "Sidmouth Town Council does a really good job and is now a quality council."But I do have this feeling that we don't always get our full whack because Sidbury is always Sidmouth's poor relation."My feeling would be if enough people wanted it and we had a chairman and a clerk, maybe a parish council would get us a little more attention."But there's no point if it's not going to be advantageous."Terry Lee said: "I was born in Sidbury and it's a place to be proud of. As far as grants are concerned Sidbury is neglected when you think of the amount of money that goes to Sidmouth."Revenue comes from Sidbury and Sidford and I think they're getting the short end of the stick."I think Sidbury should break away from Sidmouth Town Council."The town councillors don't want to lose Sidbury and Sidford, but I'm all in favour of it."Any move to introduce a parish council would give the village more control over its financial affairs, allowing parish councillors to set the precept.Butcher Rob Drew said: "We pay a lot of council tax around here and you don't see much for it."You'll never see a road sweeper around or anything like that."But I'm not sure if a parish council would really improve the village or not."Sir John Cave, of Sidbury Manor, said: "I was at a meeting about this subject 20 years ago and I've heard arguments for and against before."It's not as straight forward as drawing up a wish list and thinking it would be nice."Are there enough people in Sidbury willing to take on these roles?