News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Beach Hut U-Turn
Paignton’s sea front and promenade are iconic for our bay, hence why it is heavily protected from development. There is a proposal to put a row of 97 Beach Huts on a steel frame along one part of the Beach.
In very rare circumstances changes could be considered, yet this did not apply in this case and the Council has indicated it will not be pursuing this idea. You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Donkeys in Doubt?
The prospect of new Beach Huts being built is not the only controversy affecting Paignton Beach this week.
The future of the ever popular Donkey Rides has been thrown into doubt after a tender process for space on Paignton Green resulted in a new trampoline ride being granted the area concerned. This could mean the end of the traditional Donkey Rides that have been iconic in the bay for many years.
A petition has been started calling on the council to look for ways to keep the traditional Donkey Rides in place.
Torre Café Bus Stop
Another petition that has been doing the rounds on line this week was one addressed to me about a proposal for a temporary Bus Stop outside Platters Café in Torre.
Cllr Mark King, the relevant Executive Lead on Torbay Council, has now confirmed that this proposal will not be going ahead.
Promote Torbay BID
The Promote Torbay campaign received a boost this week when Councillors unanimously agreed to support the plan.
The proposed BID would see tourism related businesses across the bay pay a levy on top of their current business rates to support efforts to market the bay as a destination. The business plan for the BID is currently being finalised and you can read more about the debate Councillors held on it by clicking here.
Fawlty Towers Demolished
Lovers of Fawlty Towers may have had a tear in their eye this week as the Gleneagles Hotel that inspired the cult series finally succumbed to the bulldozers.
You can see the pictures of the demolition underway on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Volunteer Appeal
You may recall the efforts made by a team of volunteers organised by Neil Stanlake to help tidy up Cockington.
He is now taking on a new project and is looking for some help:
We need some extra volunteers to help refurbish around 30 picnic tables up at their site at Occombe. The tables are used by visitors in the area directly outside the cafe up there and the work will commence today (Tuesday 15th March) and will continue every Tuesday thereafter until complete. We will meet at 9am on Tuesday mornings and work until 1pm.
There is plenty of free parking, toilet facilities and tea & coffee will be provided (and maybe even biscuits as well !), so anyone with some spare time on a Tuesday morning, will be very welcome to join us. It is advisable to wear old clothes and if anyone can bring a paint brush, that would be helpful too.
Kind Regards
Neil
Councillor Resigns
On Monday it was announced that Tormohun Councillor Andy Lang had decided to resign. Andy was elected last year.
There will be a by-election on Thursday 5th May 2016 to fill the vacancy on Torbay Council.
Chuckle Alert
Ending on a lighter note, there was something uniquely amusing about watching the Chuckle Brothers guiding a “hitman” around Oldway Mansion in a real life simulation of a popular computer game.
Yet what is not funny is how little action there has been from the developer who signed a deal some years ago to invest in the building. Arguments are still going on behind the scenes between the Council and the developer, but sadly unlike the mythical “hitman’s” approach, it appears there is little chance of that contract being executed.
You can watch the Chuckle Brothers in action by clicking here.
Events
World Rocks Against Dementia
19th March, 12noon – Midnight – The Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5LZ
£10 per person (includes £1 booking fee). 13 years and under are FREE To book call: 01803 206 333 or click here.
Excalibur Film & Fantasy Convention
19th March, 11am – 5pm – Red House Hotel, Rousdown Rd, Torquay, TQ2 6PB
Entry: £4 Adults, £3 children Click here for more information.
Choir 86 – Faure’s Requiem & popular Anthams
22nd March, 19:30 – 21:30 – Furrough Cross United Reformed Church, Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 3SB
Ticket Price: £8.00 per adult to include refreshments. Click here for more information.
Easter Labyrinth
An opportunity to follow the journey to the cross at your own pace with Bible readings and meditations. Goodrington Methodist Church, Grange Road, Paignton from 7-9pm on Maundy Thursday, 24 March. Drinks and hot cross buns to follow.
French Market
25th March – 28th March – Princess Promenade, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ
