Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 10th August 2023) below:
Town Centre Progress
One of the biggest frustrations for me over the last four years was the slow progress with getting major schemes underway which are part of the £21.9m Torquay Town Deal.
Since 4th May there has been a welcome drive from Torbay Council’s new Conservative Leadership to finally get Government funded regeneration schemes underway and shovels in the ground.
There have also been some other encouraging signs of progress. Last week scaffolding went up in Castle Circus as a redevelopment of the Municipal Chambers into homes progresses. This was followed by the Government announcing a derelict supermarket in Market Street will be converted into a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) to support the NHS. The CDC bringing with it the prospect of vital additional footfall into the Town Centre, helping support nearby businesses.
Our Council being focussed on delivery, not delay and indecision, and seeking to unblock planning delays is creating confidence. This is not only helping unlock further Government financial support for regeneration schemes but is encouraging private investment which will finally start turning Torquay’s biggest challenge into an opportunity, especially in face of the continuing issues in the retail sector.
Wilko
Alongside the progress being made last week also brought a set-back Wilko announced it had gone into administration, leaving the future of all its stores in doubt.
I have called on the administrators to bring clarity as quickly as they can about the future of the company and its Torquay Store. The Department for Work and Pensions will be standing up arrangements to provide support for any staff affected.
Wilko is the largest store in Union Square. Given concerns about its long-term future have existed for some time, there are already plans for revitalisation of Union Square and the historic market building next door as part of the Torquay Town Deal project. Delivering these plans is now becoming even more urgent.
Dartmoor
There was welcome news from the Court of Appeal relating to Wild Camping on Dartmoor.
The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal by the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) and overturned the High Court’s earlier judgement. The three appeal judges restoring the interpretation of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 the DNPA and most others (Including myself) had held for many years in relation to wild camping being allowed on the moor, subject to By-Laws implemented by the DNPA to protect its environment.
I and other local MPs have also indicated we would be happy to take steps in Parliament, via legislation if needed, to secure the opportunities for wild camping on the moor many have enjoyed responsibly for decades if any final court judgment did not reflect this.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 18th August 10am till 11am at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 2nd September 10am till 12pm at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA.
Surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. 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.
