Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read this week’s edition below:
Torquay Town Centre
Since my last column there has been some progress with tackling the problems caused by Anti-Social Behaviour and Drug Usage in Torquay Town Centre.
Ahead of the recent Bank Holiday, the Police implemented a Dispersal Order across Torquay Town Centre and the Harbourside. This gave officers in uniform the power to disperse anyone engaging in crime and anti-social behaviour from the area. Whilst a Dispersal Order can only last for 48hours a new one can be put in place immediately. This was undertaken for 6 days in a row, resulting in 2 arrests and 6 dispersals over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Work is also underway on some needed changes in Castle Circus that will help prevent some of the problems that have been seen there in recent months.
I have had some positive feedback from people in and around the Town Centre saying that they have noticed a real difference since the recent action. Yet this cannot just be a temporary effect, hence the need for long term improvements to not just design out crime in Castle Circus, but to regenerate the Town Centre.
I am aware there has been some displacement, following the recent actions, to locations near the Town Centre. Any emerging issues should be reported to the Police on their 101 non-emergency number.
There are groups in our bay who are holding out their hand to help those who are on the streets and need support to turn their life around. I visited two recently, Humanity Torbay and Shekinah Grow, to see the work they are doing to support those affected by homelessness or addiction.
Yet if offers of help are ignored we cannot just turn a blind eye as people put their lives on the line using drugs openly on our streets, until someone finally loses their life to them.
Rogue Landlords
I welcome news that Torbay Council is looking to implement a new fines system for rogue landlords that could see some face a penalty of up to £30,000.
The powers to do this were given to the Council under the Housing & Planning Act 2016 and make it easier to deal with rogue operators who fail to meet housing standards. Income from the fines will be retained by the council, but can only be used to improve housing standards in the private rented sector.
The vast majority of landlords provide good quality properties at a reasonable rent, so have nothing to worry about. Yet there is a small minority who seek to exploit their tenants or ignore rules designed to keep them safe.
These new proposals will help deal with rogue operators whose bad practices not only affect their tenants, but the communities surrounding their often poorly managed properties.
Plainmoor Stadium
I recently met Clarke Osborne, Chairman of Torquay United Football Club, to discuss his plans for the club, plus the concerns fans have raised about the future of Plainmoor.
We covered a range of subjects including plans for a new Academy, work to bring additional investors\commercial supporters into the club, his vision for where TUFC will be in five year's time, plans for a new stadium and, crucially, what his intentions are in relation to the Club acquiring the Freehold of Plainmoor Stadium.
Mr Osborne confirmed that it is no longer the Club's intention to seek the purchase of the Freehold at Plainmoor, other than as a part of any future deal that encompassed the building of a new stadium.
Like many fans I am sceptical a sound, fully costed and financially balanced, business plan for a new stadium can be put together, yet am prepared to consider what the club might bring forward. In the absence of such a plan Torbay Council must protect Plainmoor by retaining the freehold to it.
EU Withdrawal Bill
Tomorrow the House of Commons will start debating the EU Withdrawal Bill.
The Second Reading Debate is where the principle, rather than the detail, of a bill is decided. The key votes will take place at about 10pm on Monday night.
Voters in Torbay delivered a decisive result in the EU Referendum and in the General Election this year. Whilst there will rightly be detailed scrutiny of the bill in parliament, attempts to use tricks of procedure to frustrate it or put up smokescreen arguments for voting against, would only create more public cynicism.
Parliament asked voters to decide the future of the UK’s Membership of the EU. Now parliament needs to deliver the answer voters gave, hence I will support the bill.
Surgery Times,
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 16th September 2017 from 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library & Information Centre, Station Lane, TQ4 5AR and Friday 22nd September from 11:30am till 1:30pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
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.