Civic pride sounds so old-fashioned, but is it out of date?

Like most residents, I love the scenery and atmosphere of this town but I don't love litter, weeds and general deterioration.

Many wonderful people work very hard to try to keep the town clean and tidy, including the Sidmouth Plastic Warriors, Sidmouth in Bloom and the Sid Vale Association and they all do great work.

Even our school children have got involved in cleaning up and putting out dog poo bags. Despite this, some areas continue to look shabby or full of litter.

Cuts to District Council budgets by government has meant a reduction in street cleaning of all kinds, coupled with an increase in snack food and other sources of litter.

Should we rely on volunteers to keep the town looking beautiful while the councils' abilities are limited? Or do we all have a responsibility to look after our neighbourhood?

And before you shout at me, yes, we do pay for street cleaning in our council tax, but the Council cannot do enough. Until council funding from government is replaced, street cleaning won't be a priority.

If we don't help out, our town will not look as clean and beautiful as most of us would like. Can you clear the weeds from the front of your house or help a neighbour to do so? Do you clear up outside your shop regularly?

What about those bushes you walk past every day? Does that sign need a clean? We can all make a difference in small ways, joining in with group actions or quietly on our own.

Perhaps #SidmouthCivicPride for 2019?

Written in a personal capacity by Cathy Gardner, District Councillor - Sidmouth Town Ward.