THERE will be a less regimented setup in the way councillors meet residents at this year s annual town meeting at Sidmouth Arts Centre on April 2. Councillor Ann Liverton felt the meetings gave an us and them feel and said: I think we need to disper

THERE will be a less regimented setup in the way councillors meet residents at this year's annual town meeting at Sidmouth Arts Centre on April 2.

Councillor Ann Liverton felt the meetings gave an "us and them" feel and said: "I think we need to disperse around the room more rather than sit in a line at the front. It looks like we are defending things rather than listening.

After its Trustee meeting on Monday, councillors agreed to a conference-like set up with the chairman, vice and town clerk in front with other councillors sitting round tables with residents.

Mrs Jarrett will give a Power Point presentation of the work of the council during the year.

*Next year's annual meeting will take place in Sidbury. Chairman Councillor Tom Cox had hoped it could be arranged for this year, but the Arts Centre had already been booked.