Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 30th September 2020) below:
New Rules
Like anyone else in the bay I enjoy the ability to choose where to socialise and with whom, what I can do for the evening, whether I wear an item and being able to meet freely with my family and friends.
We all want to make our own choices and decisions in our lives, provided they don’t impact others. Yet when a threat is emerging to our whole community, one which has already claimed the lives of fellow residents, no one can be an island. The decisions we make and the actions we take affect each other and our community, not just our own risk of ill health.
Work to develop a Covid-19 vaccine is continuing and making good progress, but we cannot plan today's actions against this disease based on tomorrow’s expectation of a scientific breakthrough. Other countries are already seeing second waves and we cannot just ignore this trend.
As winter arrives our NHS and Social Care services will face the pressures not only of increases in Covid-19 cases (Which as a respiratory illness is likely to grow during damper, colder weather), but the normal increase in demand it brings.
This is the core motivation behind the decisions taken to bring in new rules which are aimed at ensuring all do their bit to halt the spread of this virus, whilst also aiming to keep as much of our economy open as possible.
Protecting Those Who Serve
The Overseas Operations Bill, which will protect service personnel and veterans from the type of repeated and vexatious claims seen in recent years, passed its Second Reading last week.
All credible allegations will still be investigated and pursued where appropriate, but the Bill ensures our Armed Forces will receive greater protection from the type of vexatious claims politically motivated campaigners such as Phil Shiner pursued. He was eventually struck off as a solicitor for misconduct, but only after blighting the lives of many courageous veterans.
Those who served deserve our support and protection from those who abuse legal process to pursue their own agendas, hence my support for this bill.
Town Deal Boost
The Government has given the green light for the first three projects to be delivered under the Torquay Town Deal.
The announcement confirmed £750,000 will be available for three projects: Improvements to Upton Park, Princess Garden Improvements and Wavelength Legacy Lighting. The funding was offered earlier this year to accelerate work on the wider Torquay Town Deal.
The Town Deal is not just about regenerating the Town Centre but reviving the economy overall, work given added urgency by the economic impact of Covid-19. This latest announcement is good news and is the latest support being offered to support pour economy to bounce back.
Surgery Times
Following recent changes in public health guidance I have restarted my regular advice surgeries, although they must be by appointment only.
My next surgeries will be on Friday 2nd October from 3pm till 5pm and Saturday 10th October from 11am till 1pm both at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD. Social distancing measures will be in place and please bring a face covering unless you have a medical condition which means you cannot wear one.
To book an appointment you can email me at [email protected] or telephone 01803 214989.
