Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 5th May 2022) below:
Sanctioned
Last week Russia announced it was sanctioning 287 members of the UK Parliament in response to UK Sanctions and our support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
It is a badge of honour for me to be included on this list, although the announcement, whilst serious in intent, had an almost comical edge to it. In the latest failure for Russian Intelligence Services, the list of MPs they used to identify who to sanction was out of date! This meant my former colleague Dr Sarah Wollaston was included, alongside others who have not been MPs for over 2 years.
It’s safe to say being banned from Russia has not ruined my summer holiday plans, yet I do look forward to visiting a Free Ukraine once Putin has been defeated.
Fan Led Review
In November my colleague Tracey Crouch published the report of the Fan Led Review into the Governance of Football.
Whilst football has seen extraordinary success over recent decades, with the Premier League now the most watched sports league in the world, the system for ensuring good governance in the game has not kept pace. Historic clubs have faced collapse, whilst others have ended up playing away from home following disputes between the owners of the club and their stadium.
Our bay played its part in the review, with the Torquay United Supporters Trust keen to ensure the voice of Gulls fans was heard. I was delighted to support them in doing this, including arranging a meeting with Tracey so they could outline their support for her recommendations. The Government has now announced it is accepting all the recommendations from the fan-led review, including creating an independent regulator.
It is great to see this package of reform being taken forward on behalf of the fans who make the game what it is.
Debenhams
The Torquay Town Deal will see £21.9m invested in regeneration and development by the Government, with support for the regeneration of The Strand a key part of this.
Last week Torbay Council published its proposed plan for the redevelopment of the Debenhams site. There is no realistic prospect of another department store locating there, so the existing building will be demolished, with leisure or retail use on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors proposed to replace it. The proposal is a radical change, as the canopy would be removed, with a new outdoor seating area created.
The Town Deal is a once in a generation chance for regeneration and change, so I would urge all residents to have their say on the latest plans.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 7th May 10am till 12pm at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Rd, Torquay TQ2 8JA and Friday 13th May 3pm till 5pm at The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Rd, Torquay TQ2 7QR.
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.
