Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 11th May 2022) below:
CPO
Many will cheer later this year when demolition crews arrive at Crossways to demolish an eyesore which has blighted Paignton Town Centre for too long.
This is finally happening due to a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) being sought by Torbay Council and support for the regeneration of Crossways from the Government’s £13.4m Future High Streets Fund for Paignton. Yet this site is not the only former retail outlet in poor condition, with places which once hosted high street favourites left to rot.
Whilst there should be strong legal safeguards for owners when a CPO is being used to force the sale of someone’s home or an active business premises, it makes little sense to have the same for owners of long-empty shops or other derelict locations. This is especially the case when there is an urgent need to release sites for regeneration, community uses and building new homes.
Potential moves to reform these rules to deliver change in our Town Centres should therefore be welcomed.
Rowcroft
Last week was a very special one for Rowcroft, as the Hospice celebrated its 40th Birthday.
They marked this by hosting the Torbay Business Forum Breakfast Morning and organising a special 40th Birthday Party. It was great to see so many at these events, especially the sons of Richard Brinsley who unveiled a plaque commemorating the role their Father and the then Torquay Lions Club played in the founding of the Hospice.
Rowcroft opened in May 1982, with enough money to last 3 months in its account, thanks to the community it is still going strong 4 decades later, with a fantastic vision for its future. Their plans will not only see the Hospice expand its provision, but also create much needed new Nursing and Residential Care facilities.
Later this month they will apply for Planning Permission to deliver this vision. It deserves our support and rapid approval.
Students Return
After the hit they took during the pandemic, when many countries banned overseas educational trips, it is great to hear our language colleges are looking forward to a long-awaited resurgence of trade. The sector not only provides valuable employment, but a useful income for many families who act as hosts during term time.
One change I made to the Immigration Rules as a Home Office Minister, allowing study for up to 6 months under the Visitor Route, was directly inspired by local Language Schools highlighting the impact of the previous 28-day limit on their ability to offer extended courses. Now Covid has retreated they will be able to take full advantage of this.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 13th May from 3pm till 5pm at The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Rd, Torquay TQ2 7QR and Saturday 21st May from 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, such as housing or welfare, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
