Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and the latest edition is copied below:
Kev’s Column:
Terror Attacks
The terror attacks in Russia, Finland and Spain are a reminder that the murderous intent of DAESH and its supporters is still present, even as its weakened forces face final defeat in Iraq and Syria.
The self-proclaimed state DAESH Supporters dreamed would one day conquer much of the Middle East, North Africa and even Southern Spain, now faces the same fate Nazi Germany did in 1945. Like the Nazis they hope weapons of terror might break the resolve of their opponents, like the Nazis they will fail.
It is right that there is a review of what can be done to counter the tactic now being used by terrorists of hiring commercial vehicles to commit atrocities. This may include putting in place additional checks when hiring a larger vehicle and further restrictions on driving near large events.
Whilst we will be leaving the EU we will continue to support our allies and neighbours in fighting the menace of terrorism. This fight is one we cannot see any democratic nation lose.
Return To Syria
Most of the news from Syria over recent years has been of new horrors committed in a Civil War, yet there are now reports that give small glimmers of hope.
The country is now effectively divided between the Opposition, the Assad Regime and Kurdish Forces with a fragile ceasefire in place across many parts of the country. This has encouraged some civilians to return home from Turkey and other regions they had fled to. Yet those returning not only a find a fractured political landscape, but a country devastated by 6 years of fighting.
The biggest mistake made after previous conflicts in that region was to assume that when the shooting stopped or our troops left the problems had been solved. Yet the rebuilding process both physically and politically will require as much effort as finally ending the conflict has.
Castle Circus
In my previous column I mentioned the new initiative being launched to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and drugs usage\supply in Castle Circus, Torquay.
I saw first-hand on Wednesday how urgently progress on this is needed. As I left the Living Room Café at St Mary Magdalene’s (Which does great work helping people turn their lives around) two people had collapsed on the floor nearby. This was not just an unhappy coincidence as four others had done the same earlier in the day.
It is not just the problems for nearby businesses that is the issue here, but the substances being used will ultimately kill those being attended to regularly by the Ambulance Service. Ultimately firm action is required to deal with those who supply these substances. The Police and Council have also highlighted areas where the laws banning what were “legal” highs may need further changes to deal with them in public places.
Like many others who work\live in the area I am frustrated with how long it is taking to see some change, not least when the seemingly simple task of cutting down some trainers hanging from a telephone cable directly opposite the Town Hall took weeks, not days. Yet I am advised some more lasting changes are about to be made in Castle Circus, work cannot start a moment too soon.
A Level Results
Last week many students across the bay received their A Level results and if waiting for them I hope you got the results you wanted.
I can remember the mix of nerves and excitement I had twenty years ago when opening the envelope with my results in it. I got the results I needed, but others who faced disappointment that day found other doors to success opened shortly afterwards.
Kevin Nicholson Leaves TUFC
Three weeks ago I attended the monthly Torbay Business Forum Networking Breakfast to hear Torquay United Manager Kevin Nicholson talk about his work.
During his talk he remarked on how in his job there was no security and once the season started the results from games would determine how long he stayed in post. Little did I, or anyone else there, realise it would be only a matter of weeks before he would be leaving Plainmoor.
Some people say politics is a similarly precarious career, with events over recent months showing it can be hard for even the most seasoned observer to predict what will happen next. Yet the big difference is the major decisions taken by parliament define a generation, not just a season.
There will be plenty of these ahead of Brexit becoming a reality in March 2019.
Surgery Times,
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 26th August 2017 from 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT and Saturday 2nd September 2017 from 10am till 12noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA.
Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at [email protected] to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment. My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.