Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 10th July) below:
Fire Cover
The Fire Service is undertaking a consultation on proposals which could see Paignton Fire Station converted into a part-time station, with only an “on-call” crew overnight, rather than full time cover 24/7.
The proposals would leave only one Fire Engine in our bay manned 24/7 by full time Firefighters, despite Torbay being the second largest conurbation in the area served by the Devon & Somerset Fire Brigade. I will be campaigning against these plans.
As part of the official consultation a series of drop in exhibitions on the plans have been arranged, yet despite the biggest impact of the plans being on Paignton the service has decided to only arrange an event in Torquay. This is unacceptable and residents most affected should not be expected to travel across the bay to make their views known.
There are several venues close to Paignton Fire Station where a public exhibition could be held. I will be demanding Fire Service Management urgently look at arranging an event at one of them so they can avoid the impression an event was held further away to lessen the chance of residents attending to raise their concerns.
Future High Streets Fund
Paignton’s bid for funding from the Future High Streets Fund has sadly not been successful.
Whilst several projects across the country have made it through to the next round, an exciting bid which would have delivered much needed investment to reshape Paignton Town Centre has not.
I will be arranging an urgent meeting with officials at the relevant Government Department to find out what issues there were and he we could change a future bid to ensure it is successful. I will be inviting representatives from Torbay Council and the Torbay Development Agency, who led the recent bid, to join me for it.
Fox Hunting
Last week saw the unwelcome return of a decades old debate about the ban on hunting wild animals with dogs.
The Hunting Act was passed 15 years ago outlawing the cruel practices of Hare Coursing and killing a fox with a pack of hounds. I support the ban and will not vote to repeal it as Torbay’s MP.
There are other more relevant issues to be debated in parliament and we should move forward with animal welfare, not take it back two decades.
Lionesses
The Lionesses played with passion and did our nation proud in France, with 11.7m people cheering them on here in the UK, making it the most watched television event this year.
Whilst the players gave their all in the Semi-Final, the USA just had the edge. Yet their performances have helped inspire a future generation of girls across England to play football who will one day get their hands on the World Cup.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 13th July from 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT and Friday 19th July from 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG. Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at [email protected] to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment. My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
