Keep The Red Arrows Flying Over The Bay
There was disappointing news recently that the Red Arrows have not included Torquay in their schedule for 2014. This means the display which is normally the highlight of Regatta Week may not take place, a real blow to the tourist industry particularly coming on the heels of the recent weather problems.
An e-petition has been launched calling on the RAF to rethink and reinstate this much loved event in their annual schedule. The petition is being supported by the Herald Express and cross party councillors. You sign by clicking here.
Trains Update
The better weather this week has meant that work has been progressing on getting the vital track at Dawlish repaired.
The line remains closed from Newton Abbot to Exeter St Davids, but there were hopeful indications that Network Rail may be able to open it ahead of the mid April date given recently. That said no firm timescale has been given.
You can find all the latest information on the disruption to services on the Railway Companies Websites. Click on their name below to be taken to the relevant pages:
First Great Western
Crosscountry
There was good news this week in relation to Torquay, Torre & Paignton Stations as half hourly services were restored on Monday.
Two trains an hour will run between Paignton and Newton Abbot between 6am and 8pm on weekdays. This will be in both directions and all services will call at Paignton, Torquay, Torre and Newton Abbot. There will be some variations on timing so do check before travelling.
Following a discussion of the situation affecting Rail Services in Devon & Cornwall the Mayor of Torbay released a statement to the press which you can read by clicking here
Local Plan Launched
One of the most significant documents for the future of our area was launched this week.
The Local Plan for Torbay covers how the Bay is planned to develop over the next 20 years, and Torbay Council is seeking the view of Torbay residents on the proposals in the Plan.
The main headlines from the plan are around 6,000 new jobs, 9,000 new homes, revitalised town centres; major investment in the Bay’s harbours and tourism industry; major investment in infrastructure (including a new station at Edginswell) further improvements to the A380 and funding for flood protection; a healthier Bay, with better access to sport and recreation; and robust protection for, and enhancement of the Bay’s unique environmental assets are the main aims of the Local Plan.
The Plan has reached its penultimate stage of preparation and it will soon be formally submitted to Government by the Council, before its final stage, an examination in public (due to take place this Autumn) followed by adoption by the Council early in 2015.
The Local Plan can be viewed at each of the four libraries at Torquay, Brixham, Paignton and Churston; the Connections offices at Paignton, Brixham and Electric House; the Council’s Planning office at Electric House and on line at www.torbay.gov.uk/newlocalplan
This stage of the consultation is open until 9am Monday 7 April.
World Book Day In The Bay
Torbay libraries are holding special events to celebrate this year’s World Book Day (6 March 6) highlighting to local children the pleasures and benefits of reading.
World Book Day aims to help children explore the pleasure of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to always have a book of their own on the go, and encouraging them to join the library.
To mark the day, all school children are entitled to receive a World Book Day £1 Book Token. It can be exchanged for one of the specially published World Book Day £1 Books, or is redeemable against any book or audio book of their choice costing £2.99 or more at a participating bookshop or book club.
Torbay Libraries events are as follows:
Paignton Library, Saturday 8 March, 10.00 – 11.00 Storytime for 2 – 5 year olds with What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson. Storytelling, crafts and free refreshments.
Churston Library, Saturday 8 March 11.00 – 12.00 Fantastic Red Fox Saturday for 8 – 10 year olds Stories, games and activities – and a chance to join the regular Red Fox Club that meets each month at Churston Library
Torquay Library, Saturday 8 March, 10.00 – 12.00 Celebrate World Book Day for 4 – 11 year olds Stories and activities based around The Gruffalo and Diary of a Wimpy Kid All these events are free, but pre-booking is vital to guarantee a place.
Housing Prosecution
A large fine has recently been issued by local Magistrates to a rogue landlord.
It follows a successful prosecution at Torquay Magistrates Court on Thursday 13 February when a Torquay landlady was ordered to pay a total of £4746.87 in fines and costs. The case was brought by Torbay Council’s Housing Standards Team. The contraventions at the property related to fire safety, unsafe shared provisions and poor hygienic conditions throughout.
The council said that the issues arose due to poor management of the property and the use of unskilled individuals to undertake required works. This had led to residents being exposed to unsafe conditions and the property having a negative effect on local residents.
Previous to this prosecution the offender has been prosecuted by Torbay Council for similar offences and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £6080.
Anyone with a concern about the condition of their private rented property can call Torbay Council for advice on 01803 208025 or visit www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourservices/housing/housingstandards.htm. You can also follow the team on Twitter @TorbayHousing.
