HOURS of free family fun, coupled with frank discussions about Newton Abbot’s future, were to be had in the town centre on Saturday.

Children, and the occasional young-at-heart adult, enjoyed egg decorating, balloon modelling plus egg and spoon races.

Larger-than-life mascot, Newton, put in an appearance as did two theatrical hatching eggs whose animated antics kept the crowds entertained.

Ongoing until April 23 is a free prize Lego Trail with entry forms available at the museum and library.

The events were part of the Annual Town Meeting, hosted by Newton Abbot Town Council. Each community is obliged to convene such a gathering but they are often held in poorly attended council offices during the evening.

In contrast, Saturday’s 10am to 2pm outing to Courtenay Street, complete with the family-friendly activities, resulted in hundreds of people making face-to-face contact with town councillors who encouraged open dialogue about Newton’s direction.

Mayor Cllr Mike Joyce said: ‘We decided to host these meetings in the town centre at a time we know people will be out and about and as far as I know we’re the only council to do this.

‘It provides a wonderful opportunity to learn what residents and visitors think of Newton Abbot and to hear suggestions about how it could be improved.

‘We are also able to explain what powers and responsibilities we have as a town council and how those differ from Teignbridge and Devon.

‘There were lots of comments about The Alex Theatre and the proposed changes to Queen Street while some people called for better street cleaning, something as a Town Council we are already investing in as other authorities have reduced their services.

‘It was very encouraging to hear visitors describe Newton Abbot as thriving, saying their home towns are really struggling with ever-increasing numbers of empty shops.

‘We should be very proud of and grateful for what we have, but never take it for granted.

‘We will consider everything we heard on Saturday and aim to incorporate what we can as we update the Newton Abbot and District Community Plan.’