A meeting discussing the issues crippling Sidmouth’s high street will be held by MP Sir Hugo Swire on Thursday.

Sir Hugo has now sent out correspondence for the invitation-only event which will be held at Kennaway House from 6pm.

The meeting will be held to discuss the future of Sidmouth and the changes to business rates that have affected independent traders. It was originally planned to take place on April 26, but was cancelled.

Sir Hugo said: “High streets are facing unprecedented levels of strain due to out of town shopping centres and online shopping. I want the community to come together so that we can find practical solutions to the issues facing businesses in the town.”

Among those invited will be independent business owners, members of the town, district and the county council as well as the South West Tourism Alliance and the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce.

Sir Hugo added: “Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the previously planned meeting due to Parliamentary business, but I am eager to hear the concerns of local businesses. Whilst we cannot turn the clock back on online shopping and its changes in consumer behaviour we do want out local High Streets to survive and thrive. We are all going to have to think positively and creatively and I look forward to this meeting with that in mind.”

Those wanting to attend have been asked to email Stuart Pilcher at Sir Hugo’s office on stuart.pilcher@parliament.uk