Residents will now be able to speak at Sidmouth Town Council planning committee meetings. Read this and more.

QUESTION TIME: Residents will now be able to speak at Sidmouth Town Council planning committee meetings.

Civic leaders voted on Monday to introduce a public open question time at future meetings.

The town council is a consultee of the district planning authority. To date, residents have only been allowed to observe town council planning meetings.

-----

JUBILEE LIGHTS: Work to install a �6,000 lights spectacular at the Three Cornered Plot to mark the diamond jubilee took place this week.

The LED displays on six trees to mark each decade of the Queen’s reign will be switched on at an event starting at 8pm on Saturday, June 2.

The cost of the lights has been split between the town council and Councillor Stuart Hughes’ county locality budget.

“I think its going to look fantastic. I can’t wait to see it powered up at night,” said Cllr Hughes.

-----

CLASSIC CARS: More than 100 vehicles are expected to be on display at a classic car show in Sidmouth over the Diamond Jubilee weekend.

The event on Monday, June 4, will be the culmination of a series of festivities organised by Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce. It takes place at Sidmouth Cricket Club from midday.

Money raised will be shared between Devon Air Ambulance and Help for Heroes.

A jazz ball and street party will precede the show on June 2 and 3 respectively.

-----

SKILLS SWAP: National charity Abbeyfield, which has care homes for the elderly in Sidmouth, has enlisted the support of a street dance duo for a new project.

The cause hopes former Britain’s Got Talent finalists Twist and Pulse can help encourage young people from schools, colleges, universities and youth groups to join its “generational skills swap” scheme that is taking place in June.

Abbeyfield’s AGEnda initiative follows a national survey which shows that a high percentage of young and old people hold negative views about one another.

Schools and youth groups are being invited to contact Abbeyfield on 01727 734107 to arrange a skills swap with a local Abbeyfield house or care home.