RESIDENTS got the chance to quiz town councillors in Newton Abbot when the annual town meeting took to the streets.

In what is thought to be a unique event, the annual meeting moved out of the council chamber and into Courtenay Street.

The aim is to reach a wider audience as traditionally these meetings are held at night and in council offices and are poorly attended.

Newton Abbot Town Council clerk Phil Rowe explained: ‘A few years ago we decided to move the meeting into Courtenay Street to give more people the chance to find out exactly what a town council does.

‘It’s been a great success and we’ve met hundreds of people we’d otherwise never have seen.

‘We ask them to tell us what they like and dislike about the town, and what improvements they want.

‘As a town council we don’t have the same power as the district or county of course but we always try to influence their decision-making so knowing what residents really think is essential.’

Among the grumbles on Saturday were concerns about traffic and littering, matters largely outside the town council’s control.

Praise came in for the buoyant retail scene, including the number of independent traders.

Mr Rowe said: ‘It’s clear that the hard work put in by our town development manager Sally Henley is paying off.

‘We’ll continue to improve on that by providing a year-round family-friendly events programme.

‘A lot of people also told us how they’re looking forward to our £2 million Newton’s Place community space and museum, the town council’s number one priority, and we were able to give updates such as the successful crowdfunding programme and positive planning permission result.’

Among the residents who made the most of Saturday’s event was Chris Tucker who sought advice on road sign problems where he lives off Ashburton Road.

He said: ‘I’m all in favour of doing this sort of thing, I think the big problem is too many councils live behind closed doors.

‘You’ve got to make it accessible to the community, you are the voice of the people.’