ANYONE who lives, works or shops in Newton Abbot is being asked to have their say on the town’s future.

Newton Abbot Town Council wants to hear what people love about the place, and what drives them mad.

Suggestions for improvements are being invited, whether physical changes or better services for the young and elderly.

Also under the spotlight are cultural and sporting activities as well as neighbourhood projects that could benefit from Town Council support.

The move comes as an updated Newton Abbot and District Community Plan is being prepared, some 14 years after the last was published in 2008.

Mayor Cllr Mike Joyce said: ‘It’s important that people are given the opportunity to tell us what they think about the place.

‘Clearly we’re proud to call it home but that should never prevent us from wanting to make it better still.

‘The Newton Abbot and District Community Plan outlines what we hope to achieve in the coming years and although the powers of a Town Council are limited we can’t influence the future in a positive way unless we know what people want..

‘I’d urge everyone to speak up, tell it like it is, and we’ll do everything we can to make our town the region’s favourite location for living, working and visiting.’

Town Clerk Phil Rowe explained the roles played by different layers of local government.

‘Devon County Council is largely responsible for our roads, schools, social care, health and wellbeing,’ he said.

‘Teignbridge District Council looks after some parks and public toilets, waste collection and recycling, car parks and the planning of new homes and infrastructure.

‘The Town Council provides the local voice on all these matters, and we deliver cultural benefits such as the new museum and community rooms at Newton’s Place which came about as a result of the 2008 Newton Abbot and District Community Plan.

‘We also organise the town’s annual events calendar and financially support several community groups.

‘So please, take part in this latest survey before the February 2 deadline and help us to help you.’

For details visit the Your Community – we’re listening section at www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.

Hard copies are available at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.