Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 13th January 2022) below:
Covid
Figures released last week showed Torbay having the lowest Covid infection rate in England, yet this rate was still far higher than we have seen in previous months.
Our local NHS and Social Care services are under pressure not just from Covid-19, but other conditions which are more common in winter. The team at Torbay Hospital is working hard and have been doing so for months. The biggest thing we can all do to help them is to get vaccinated against Covid-19, especially if you are yet to have your 1st or 2nd dose.
As the number of cases in our community go up, we will also see some effects on local services, with bin collections disrupted due to staff having to self-isolate. In addition, local shops and services may also be affected, so do bear this in mind if needing to wait slightly longer than normal to be served in a shop or other business.
After two years of battling with this virus I know many will be tired of this pandemic and the measures which go with it, but the progress made over the last year means we do not need the type of restrictions in place then or currently in force across other parts of Europe.
We cannot give up the fight now, but we can look ahead to a summer likely to be one of the best for our bay in decades as the reward for all the efforts being made now.
Record Breaking,
Brixham Fish Market has posted record-breaking sales figures of £43.6m for 2021.
It’s best-ever year for sales underlines Brixham’s position as the most valuable fishing port in England and Wales. This news is a stark contrast to some of the predictions being made this time last year as a new trading relationship with the EU came into force. Sales to domestic markets and exports to the EU from Brixham Fish Market have both increased.
Anthony Mangnall and I are continuing to work on securing the funding needed for a vital expansion to the Market’s capacity, work which has been boosted by these latest figures.
RIP
Television coverage of politics is often dominated by heated arguments in the Commons, usually at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Yet this is not how most of our time is spent and often constructive relationships between a Minister and their Shadow can benefit all. It was therefore with great sadness I heard my Labour Shadow Jack Dromey had died suddenly last week.
Jack dedicated his life to campaigning for what he believed in the via his involvement in the Trades Unions and politics. He will be missed.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 14th January 3pm till 5pm at The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Rd, Torquay TQ2 7QR and Saturday 22nd January, 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, Great Western Rd, TQ4 5AG. Sadly, my surgeries must remain appointment only at this stage given the prevailing public health guidance.
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
