Chance to take part in creation of neighbourhood plan for community

Volunteers are being called upon to play a part in a project that aims to shape the future of the Sid Valley.

Opinions and ideas from a broad cross-section of the community are vital in the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan that will influence planning decisions in Sidmouth, Sidford, Salcombe Regis and Sidbury.

A group of 12 volunteers leading the £46,000 project will be out and about this summer to speak to residents, give out information and gather people’s views – but they need help to make the entire exercise a success.

Chairman of the Sid Valley Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Deirdre Hounsom explained that assistance is needed at upcoming events and roadshows with offering drinks and helping to set up.

She said: “If you have a spare couple of hours and are interested in the future of the Sid Valley, we would love to hear from you.

“No experience is required, just enthusiasm and curiosity to see how people are reacting to the Neighbourhood Plan and hear what their concerns and hopes for the future are. There will be an art and craft table for the children, a raffle and some interactive ways of involving residents.”

Town councillor Louise Cole is deputy chairman of the group and said a questionnaire that will soon go out to all residents is ‘something that has never been done before on this scale’.

The group is especially keen to involve young people in the creation of the plan and are holding numerous workshops and events, as well as developing a questionnaire especially for children.

See next Friday’s Herald for views and photos of students from Sidmouth College, St John’s International School and Sidmouth Primary School.