News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Christmas Bin Collection Dates
The key point to note is that waste and recycling collections will be earlier in the week leading up to Christmas.
The changes are:
Normal Day Revised Day
Monday 21st December Saturday 19th December
Tuesday 22nd December Monday 21st December
Wednesday 23rd December Tuesday 22nd December
Thursday 24th December Wednesday 23rd December
Friday 25th December Thursday 24th December.
A leaflet is being distributed across the bay by Tor2 with the full details so keep an eye out for it. Details of Tor2’s waste collection and recycling schemes can be found here.
Low Rise in Rail Fares
Whilst no one likes to see the cost of their rail travel rise the announcement today of a 1.1% rise is April 2016, the lowest for some years.
The Government has put a stop to above inflation (RPI) fare increases on regulated fares until 2020. This means most people’s earnings will, on average, rise more quickly than average rail fares for the first time since 2002 and provide an average saving of £425 to annual season ticket holders over the next five years.
You can read the full story on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Special Deal For our Armed Forces
Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens is now offering members of the armed forces 2 for 1 on admission for the attraction.
This forces-friendly initiative is set up to support those who represent the country through military occupations by offering them discount to visit attractions. Bygones Museum in St Marychurch also offer the same 2 for 1 deal to Armed Forces Members and their families.
Victorian Society Objects to Pavilion Plan
The debate about the future of the Pavilion took another turn this week as the Victorian Society indicated it was maintaining its objection to the latest plans.
The society has written to Torbay Council indicating its disagreement with the plans and both suggestions for a tall building on the site of the Marina Car Park.
You can read more, including details of their objections, on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Budget Event Reminder
Just a quick reminder that as mentioned last week a Bay wide consultation event will be taking place in Paignton on Monday (7th December 2015) to discuss the current Council Budget proposals for the 2016/17.
Torbay Mayor, Gordon Oliver will host the event at the Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton from 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting to find out more about the proposals and discuss the issues they present.
Tenants Report
There was concerning news this week as new research showed that Torbay was the third highest area in the South West for people renting their homes being in danger of eviction..
Research by the housing and homelessness charity Shelter revealed that Torbay is the third worst in the South West in terms of claims made by landlords to evict their tenants. ONE in 64 renters in Torbay are at risk of eviction.
The figures from the Ministry of Justice showed that 1 in every 86 rented households in the South West have been put at risk of losing their home, with Weymouth and Portland topping the list with as many as 1 in every 48 rented homes at risk of eviction,
Torbay was third on the list, with one in 64 renters at risk of eviction with 303 claims by landlords in 2014/15.
Mental Health Placements Debate,
On Thursday there was a debate on Out of Area Mental Health Placements that was organised by Norman Lamb MP.
The problems with finding suitable places can see those needing mental health treatment ending up hundreds of miles from their family, at the very time they might most need their support.
The parliamentary session was extended, due to the early finish of the debate on a bill, so it became a much more in depth discussion than was planned. You can read the transcript of it, including the helpful response from the Minister, by clicking here.
Events
Sat 5th & Sun 6th Dec: 10am-4pm, Christmas Fayre at Cockington Court. Santa’s grotto, mince pies, lantern parade and more. Free Entry
Sat 5th Dec & Sat 12th & Sat 19th Dec: This Christmas, our popular “Santa’s Postbox” is back. Take the little ones on the Cliff Railway and enjoy a trip to our Visitor Centre full of sparkle where they can write and post their letter to Father Christmas. There’s mulled wine and mince pies for the grown ups too. Just £5.95 per child (to include one adult).
Sun 6th Dec: Santa Sunday – Torbay Velopark, Paignton. Santa Fun Run a 1.5km Festive Fun Run around Torbay Velopark Santa Cycle a 3km Festive Cycle around Torbay Velopark Santa Duathlon. Cost: Adults: £10. Under 16’s: £7
Tues 8th Dec: 10am-4pm. The gardens at Torre Abbey Historic House will be holding free open days on Tuesdays leading up to Christmas. If you have not visited the Abbey’s gardens, this is the perfect opportunity to visit this beautiful setting. Explore a tropical jungle and arid desert in the extraordinary glasshouses. Discover 800 year old ruins of a medieval Abbey set in a tranquil landscape and stroll through glorious gardens with exotic botanic specimens.
Tues 8th Dec: 2pm-4pm. St Luke’s Residents’ drop-in session in the meeting room, Waldon Point. See here for details.
Sat 12th Dec: 11am-1pm Christmas Tree Festival Coffee Morning, Paignton Parish Church, Church Street, Paignton.
Sat 12th Dec: 1.30-3.30pm Multicultural Celebration, Sacred Heart Church Hall, Cecil Road, Paignton
