Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 9th February 2023) below:
Pavilion
As Jim Parker said last week, no-one wants to mention the “D” word about Torquay Pavilion, so a plan is needed to bring it back to life.
Despite numerous campaigns to save the building and even the offer of a £2m contribution from the Government towards revitalisation costs (as part of its £21.9m funding package for the Torquay Town Deal) no firm plan for its future has been put forward. To make matters worse Cary Green now looks neglected, adding to the air of decay.
Similar historic buildings have secured funding for regeneration projects, but this is always based on a clear plan for the long term being set out first. After all the talk of “Plan Bs” in the past, a realistic Plan A for this building would be a welcome move.
As it continues to decay, simply being left as a difficult decision for the future is the greatest threat to the Pavilion.
Levelling Up
Whilst Torbay has succeeded in getting a Town Deal, New Stations Funding and a Future High Streets Project, a successful levelling up bid has proved more elusive.
After the second knock back for plans to expand Brixham Fish Market as part of the levelling up fund, this week I called on Ministers to give clarity about the reasons for this. The Levelling Up benefits are clear, but if it is not one the Government would consider for levelling up funding, Ministers should state this to allow alternative approaches to be considered for delivering this much needed project. I also called on Minsters to clarify if delayed delivery by Torbay Council of other projects, which have received Government funding, had affected the outcome.
There will be a third round of Levelling Up Funding, offering the opportunity to take forward a major development for our bay. Understanding from Government exactly why our previous bids failed will be key to a future success.
Hillsborough
The Hillsborough disaster saw 96 Liverpool fans lose their lives.
What followed this tragedy was a disgraceful mix of lies and smears. To cover up for their own failings, a false story was made up by members of South Yorkshire Police about the behaviour of Liverpool fans. Last week the National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing published a joint response to a report about the policing response to Hillsborough, which included a profound apology.
I joined other MPs in pushing the Government to publish their own response to it and to finally implement plans for an Independent Public Advocate. A recommendation which would help ensure bereaved families have a stronger voice at inquests into disasters like Hillsborough.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 11th February 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG and Friday 17th February 11am till 1pm 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, 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.
