Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 10th April 2024) below:
Crime
I always enjoy getting out on the doorsteps talking to residents, although recent wet weather has meant having to swop some sessions outdoors for a session on the phone indoors.
Recently I have been undertaking a survey on crime and anti-social behaviour, with two words dominating the responses in Torquay: Castle Circus. Those who are rough sleeping in our bay need to be supported, hence the Council’s Government funded outreach team. Yet those gathering to drink alcohol on the street and use other substances, mostly head back home after a day’s drinking.
Working with Torbay Council’s Conservative Leadership since May has seen plans to reinstate an effective drinking ban on street. They will also give the police powers to disperse from the Town Centre those involved in anti-social behaviour. The changes should come in later this month and will need to be enforced quickly afterwards.
TUFC
On Friday Torquay United confirmed it had entered administration.
The move was not unexpected, with the encouraging news at least 2 or 3 serious bidders are involved in discussions with the club. The consortium led by the Torquay United Supporter’s Trust (TUST) has confirmed it has now submitted a final bid.
The latest developments do not affect the club’s lease at Plainmoor or the day-to-day operation of the football club, but the sooner the current uncertainty ends the better.
Recent times have been worrying for all Gulls Fans, but we are not the only club to have faced this situation. Other clubs have seen administration result in new ownership and a fresh start. The same will happen at Torquay United, ideally with fans at the heart of the club as has been seen at Exeter City for the last 20 years.
NHS Dentists
A Paignton Dental Practice has closed without any prior notice.
At an urgent meeting I arranged with the local NHS, it became clear the main NHS contract holder had simply abandoned the business, staff and patients. He had also cleared out the equipment from the surgery over the easter weekend, meaning even an emergency service cannot be provided there.
This is a very unusual set of circumstances, but the impact is sadly predictable of patients struggling to find another NHS dentist to register with. I am therefore meeting again with the Dental Services Minister to press the case for further reforms to the current contract to get more local dental practices providing NHS services again.
Fr Paul
I was pleased to be at All Saint’s, Babbacombe for Fr Paul Jones’ last service as Vicar ahead of his retirement.
A large congregation gathered to thank Paul and his Wife Jackie for 15 years of service.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 13th April 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2RB and Friday 19th April 09:30am till 10:30am at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
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. 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.
