Every fortnight I write a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 26th May 2021) below:
Unlocking!
Last week was a major moment in our move out of lockdown as indoor hospitality, hotels, B&Bs and indoor attractions re-opened.
The rapid progress of the vaccination campaign, the falling numbers of patients in hospital following a positive test and lower new case numbers made it the right time to make this move. Given the weather over the last week an ability to move indoors was very welcome in keeping many businesses open.
It was also reassuring to see the lowest weekly figures for cases across Devon and Cornwall since September, with the lowest numbers in our bay for some time as well. Yet this is not by accident it has been thanks to the hard work of our local NHS and social care teams, the amazingly quick roll out of our vaccination programme and the measures taken by local businesses. We can now see the real benefits of all the work done to not only get Covid-19 under control, but to re-open our bay safely.
The latest figures are good news and puts our region in a solid position going forward towards 21st June. Yet we cannot become complacent or ignore the position in other parts of the UK such as Burnley, where it is increasingly clear those who did not take up the offer of a vaccination jab earlier this year are now much more likely to end up becoming seriously ill than those who did.
We have come a long way and can now see the prospect of a great summer in our bay before us, but over the next few weeks the key message is when you get your invite get your jab. It’s not just about protecting yourself, but our whole community.
Regeneration
The re-opening of many hotels across our bay was accompanied by the newest opening its doors for the first time, the new hotel in Torwood St.
Standing outside the new buildings it is almost impossible to imagine the derelict scene there 3 years ago when, after a package of support was agreed by Torbay Council, it was confirmed the development would go ahead. The development being the largest single investment project in Torquay Town Centre for many years.
Yet as this success was marked from the windows of the new hotel you could see the scale of the challenges to come. Living Coasts, The Pavilion and the former Debenhams store all need major regeneration or revitalisation projects for them.
The £21.9m of Government funding for the Torquay Town Deal will be vital in driving forward the reshaping and revitalising of the Town Centre, alongside working with businesses looking to invest. The empty premises on the Strand are a sad sight, yet the regeneration of Torwood Street shows progress will be made with this support in place.
Surgery Times
I have restarted face to face advice surgeries, but telephone appointments can still be arranged if preferred. Sadly, my surgeries must remain by appointment only at this stage.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time.
