Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 27th April 2022) below:
Kickstart
I recently visited Paignton Zoo to meet the employees they have recruited under the Kickstart Scheme.
The Kickstart Scheme provides Government funding to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. The funding covers 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months. This is a great scheme to help local young people and it was clear to see the enthusiasm of those working at the Zoo, with one now able to work with reptiles full-time having had them as pets.
Whilst there I was also shown the new entrance path, which has replaced the elevated boardwalk many of us will have been familiar with. Much of the new path covers what was until recently the route of the Jungle Express. It was sad to see this much-loved attraction removed earlier this year, not least given my own childhood memories of riding on it.
Yet one moment during my visit highlighted the difference the recent changes have made for some visitors. The new path makes it much easier to enter the Zoo in a wheelchair, plus access several enclosures which had been built close to the route of the Jungle Express. A young girl in a wheelchair was close to a bird enclosure, able to interact with them, when previously she could only have looked at from a distance.
The next generation’s childhood memories of Paignton Zoo will be different to many of ours, but its ability to help create unique moments continues.
Unauthorised Encampments
The last fortnight has seen a familiar problem return to our bay with unauthorised encampments being set up on King George V Playing Fields in Barton and at the Velopark in Goodrington.
Whilst Torbay Council has used existing powers in efforts to remove them, new powers for the Police to intervene more quickly to move such camps on and prevent their return are imminent to pass through parliament. These will allow prompter interventions and reflect laws which already exist in the Republic of Ireland.
I understand Torbay Council is also looking at options for an official site which would not only provide pitches but assist with the eviction process by showing appropriate provision had been made.
Our green spaces should not be abused as a campsite for a free holiday. The forthcoming changes in the law, combined with work to secure sites and provide an official site, are key to resolving this challenge.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 29th April from 10am till 12pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 7th May from 10am till 12pm at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Rd, Torquay TQ2 8JA and.
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.
