Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 18th August 2021) below:
Kev’s Column:
Plymouth
Thursday was one of the darkest days in history for our region as one man shot dead 5 people in Plymouth.
Confirmation one of the victims was a 3-year-old girl makes this act of violence seem all the more senseless. Our local Police force showed exemplary courage in responding to a situation where danger was ever present. They were supported in doing so by the other emergency services and the Air Ambulance.
Given the proximity of this incident to our bay and the many families, including my own, which stretch across South Devon, I am conscious there may be people living in our community who have been directly affected. If so and I can help do get in touch.
There will be many questions to be asked about what happened, yet for now the thoughts and prayers of people across our bay will be with the victims and their families during what will be the most difficult and stressful of times.
Housing Squeeze
Over recent weeks I have had several residents get in touch about the issues they are finding with securing a new place to rent.
With more home working there has been significant interest in buying properties here in our bay, in many cases from those looking to no longer commute into the office each day. If you are going to work from home, then a beautiful location like Torbay is an appealing place to do so compared to a commuter town in the South East.
Whilst this surge of interest has helped get some long-stalled regeneration projects underway, plus opened the door for some potential projects in our Town Centres, it is providing a real challenge now for those locally needing somewhere to rent.
A few weeks ago, I spoke with the lead officer at Torbay Council who deals with finding homes for those needing support about the difficulties they were facing. I made clear there is a need for Torbay and other Councils facing similar issues to put together analysis of the situation they are all facing. This needs to be combined with making clear what action they can take, such as pushing forward regeneration schemes and potential compulsory purchase of long-term empty property (including empty homes), and what specific actions the government could take alongside this to alleviate the current pressures.
Ultimately, we need to increase the supply of homes available, especially those for an affordable rent, with the changes needed to our Town Centres post covid providing an opportunity to do so. A good start will be finally getting Crossways demolished and a housing led regeneration of the site as part of a wider programme of action, as every derelict shop or commercial site in our bay is one which could be providing much needed homes for local families.
Surgery Times
I hold regular face to face advice surgeries, but telephone appointments can 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
