RESIDENTS across Sidmouth are being invited to the inaugural meeting of a new action group, set up to fight flooding and cliff erosion.

RESIDENTS across Sidmouth are being invited to the inaugural meeting of a new action group, set up to fight flooding and cliff erosion.

SAFE - Sidmouth Against Flood Emergency - will also consider the potential impact on the town's infrastructure as a consequence of such issues at its public meeting at All Saints Church Hall on Friday, June 5, at 7pm.

SAFE has the backing of Sid Vale Association, which has viewed "with growing concern" the comments aired about the coast.

"We ask all who are empowered to protect the residents of Sidmouth, and to protect the natural assets so important to the well being of our tourist industry, to take the action required without further delay," said SVA chairman Handel Bennett.

"To do nothing, in the face of the threat to Sidmouth, is to abandon public responsibility."

*Read SVA's full statement about flooding and erosion threats under Letters to the Editor, page 10.