IVYBRIDGE residents will have the chance to put their parish concerns to a town councillor face-to-face.

Ivybridge Town Council agreed to start the councillor-led surgeries twice a month in The Watermark.

Cllr Alan Spencer proposed the idea following the council's decision to reduce the number of its full town council meetings.

Cllr Spencer said: 'There are several ways the public can get in contact with the council, via phone, letter or email, but there is no one place where they can go on a regular basis and just talk to a councillor.

'I propose that on the first and third Saturday of every month there are two councillors downstairs in The Watermark where people can come up and say whatever they want to say of an Ivybridge parish concern.

'It's not about world affairs, unless, of course, it concerns Ivybridge.

'We'll maintain a log and get back to residents either by letter or at the next public meeting and let everyone know what everyone else's concerns are. If residents want a private conversation then we can arrange for a meeting room to be available.

'Initially the proposal is for one hour on the first and third Saturday of every month. We will have a suggestion box stationed there 24/7 so at any time residents can put in notes to the councillors.'

He added: 'It is a group of volunteer councillors. This is a town councillor approved initiative, we are all working together for the town. This is a very light touch, wherever possible it is all going to be councillor led.'

The first surgery will take place in The Watermark coffee shop on Saturday, June 6, 10.30am to 11.30am.

Surgeries will continue to take place at the same time on the first and third Saturday of each month.

A suggestions box will be in The Watermark which can be accessed throughout the week which will be opened by councillors.