Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 16th March 2022) below:
Homes For Ukraine
The sponsorship scheme launched this week is open to any Ukrainian (There is no need for a relative to be in the UK) who has a sponsor here in the UK able to provide them with accommodation and basic support for a minimum of 6 months.
Unlike other resettlement schemes there will be no specific cap on numbers of visas for this route given the many generous offers already being made by people across the UK. Sponsors can include businesses with staff accommodation such as local hotels here in the bay, in addition to individuals with accommodation.
One of the biggest challenges being faced across Eastern Europe is providing housing for those who are arriving from Ukraine to avoid those who have been given refuge finding they have nowhere to stay. This challenge is already present in the UK’s resettlement schemes, with thousands of people evacuated from Afghanistan last year still stuck in hotels as the offers of housing from local communities for these families have not come forward in anywhere near the quantity required. This means looking to people across the UK, including here in Torbay, to offer places to stay, including in their own homes to those arriving from Ukraine.
Deciding to become part of this scheme is not easy, but as with wartime evacuation 80 years ago when a similar call went out, I know many in our bay will step forward.
Picture House
There was fantastic news last week with the announcement two projects in Torbay will receive a total of £3,456,663 from the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund.
The announcement will see just under £3m invested into the final phase of work to revitalise the Paignton Picture House, in addition to the money already allocated to it from the £13.4m Paignton Future High Streets Fund. Torre Abbey Conservation will receive £468,993.
The Cultural Investment Fund is the Government’s flagship investment in galleries, museums, libraries and other venues to improve access to the arts and drive economic growth in the cultural sector. It is therefore great to see it supporting the vision of the Paignton Picture House Trust to bring this historic building back to life.
For nearly 20 years the Paignton Picture House became a negative symbol of what was happening to the Town Centre overall. Its grand façade hidden behind a delipidated wooden hoarding. Now it is set to be a powerful symbol of a wider renaissance spurred on by the investment from both the Government and businesses, with the start of demolition work at Crossways being the next milestone we are all looking forward to.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 25th March 3pm to 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 2nd April 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Rd, Paignton TQ3 2RB.
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.
