Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 2nd March 2022) below:
Ukraine
Last week Russian forces crossed the border into Ukraine, with Russian bombs and missiles hitting targets across the country.
To ensure Putin pays a heavy price for this unprovoked attack on a sovereign and democratic country, a massive package of sanctions is now being brought forward, co-ordinated with our allies. We cannot pretend the actions necessary to respond to this invasion will not bring a price for economies across Europe, one which will hit our bay as well, yet freedom has never been free as our war memorials remind us. If we do not make a stand and punish such naked aggression against another country history shows the dark path we could follow towards a time when a much greater sacrifice may be needed to defend democracy.
Extensive and focused efforts by Russia to fabricate and exaggerate are already underway, yet we must (and will) stay focused on the goal of ensuring Putin fails and his forces are defeated. There are already signs his attack is not making the progress he expected.
Over the last century our nation has not bowed down to tyrants. Even in the darkest days of 1940 when Nazi forces greedily eyed our beaches as potential landing grounds and bombs rained down on our cities, we did not back down. We stand with our allies. We will give Ukraine the means to defend itself. We will not allow the flame of freedom and democracy to be extinguished.
Street Drinking
Torquay Town Centre and the Harbourside area has seen more than its fair share of anti-social behaviour over recent months.
For many years restrictions on drinking alcohol in the street were in place across Torquay Town Centre to help tackle anti-social behaviour. This allowed a Police Officer to challenge someone drinking on the street, where it was likely it could lead to anti-social behaviour and require the alcohol the person was carrying to be disposed of.
I was therefore disappointed to be advised the latest Public Spaces Protection Order covering the Town Centre has not included these clear restrictions, with street drinking now needing anti-social behaviour to have already occurred alongside it before alcohol can be seized.
No-one has an issue with someone quietly enjoying a small bottle of wine or a beer with a picnic in a park or with a portion of fish and chips whilst sat on the harbourside, but heavier drinking on the street often leads to anti-social behaviour, especially if the Police do not have clear powers to tackle it until after something has happened, hence the previous position needs to be restored.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 5th March, 10am till 12 noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA and Friday 25th March 3pm to 5pm 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, 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.
