News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Bodies Found in Cary Park and Petitor Woods
Three bodies were found in the Babbcombe area, with one being that of a 30 year old woman.
The young woman’s body was found by the children’s play area in Cary Park during the early hours of Sunday Morning. You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
The other two bodies were found in Petitor Wood, with one believed to be that of a man who has been missing since late 2014. The discoveries followed a detailed search for a St Marychurch man who had gone missing this week. You can read the latest on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
The Police are offering support to the families concerned. They have also thanked residents for their positive response to an appeal for witnesses after the discovery of the young woman’s body.
Torquay Magistrates Court Update
A rumour has been circulating that Torquay Magistrates Court had been sold to a hotel chain.
Kevin Foster contacted the Ministry of Justice to establish whether this was correct; here is the reply:
Dear Mr Foster,
I have made some enquires and I can confirm that the building has not been sold. Once the court is closed and decommissioned it is our intention to sell the court site and we will seek best value for the taxpayer.
I hope this is helpful.
Kind regards
Michael Keen
HMCTS Property Directorate
In addition earlier today the Public Accounts Committee published its report following a recent enquiry into efficiency and customer service in the Criminal Justice System, which raises a number of concerns about delays, plus clear inefficiencies, in how our court system works.
One area that was particularly concerning was the lack of a credible asset management plan for the courts service, with the Committee highlighting the situation at Torquay Magistrates as an example of the waste of public money this was resulting in.
You can read our report by clicking here and the report on the comments made in it about Torquay Magistrates Court in the Herald Express by clicking here.
Government Response to School Funding Petition
Last year hundreds of residents supported a petition to parliament calling on the Government to address the long standing unfairness in the school funding system that sees Torbay Schools receive one of the lowest amounts of funding per pupil in England.
The petition was part of the long standing F40 campaign which involves the 40 local councils whose areas receive the lowest amounts per pupil. Earlier this year the Government confirmed it was planning to review the formula, which is based on historical patterns that are no longer relevant.
Earlier this week an e-mail was received by Kevin Foster confirming the Government’s formal response to the petition that had been submitted to parliament. You can read it by clicking here.
Sinkhole at Daddyhole
If you have been up to Daddyhole Plain recently you may have noticed an area near a bench fenced off.
This follows the appearance of a sinkhole that is believed to have been caused by coastal erosion. You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
The Wheel Is Back
Just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend the Riviera Wheel is back in business on Torquay Sea Front.
The installation of the 60 metre high structure, taller than Nelson’s Column, took a ten strong team ten days to complete, using high-tech hydraulic equipment, cranes and heavy lifting gear to build the 320 tonne structure.
A time lapse video of the construction was taken and it looks like a giant Meccano set being put together. You can see it on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Bomb Hoax
Last week a series of hoax bomb warnings caused disruption at schools across the country, including Oldway Primary School in Paington.
Whilst there was no real threat such behaviour distracts the Police and specialist units from real emergencies, whilst wasting the time of all involved, as such warnings have to be taken seriously.
You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Dolphins in Brixham
Last week a video emerged of a pod of dolphins swimming around Brixham Harbour.
It is great to see such a group in the bay and you can enjoy the video yourself by clicking here.
TBID Vote About To Start
In a week’s time the ballot will start on the ERTBID which aims to raise £3 million to Promote Torbay as a destination.
The new proposal follows the failure of an earlier plan that would have covered both retail and tourism. This project will only affect businesses in the Tourism sector and reflects the arrangements already put in place by some of the UK resorts we actively compete with. Those businesses that would be covered by the levy (if approved) will receive ballot papers, with a majority on both numbers and rateable value being necessary for it to progress.
You can find out more on the project’s dedicated website by clicking here. The ballot will run between Thursday 2nd June and Thursday 30th June.
Drones In Action On Dawlish Rail Line
We regularly hear about the destructive potential of unmanned aerial vehicles, better known as drones, but this week Network Rail was highlighting the role they are playing securing our coastal railway.
One of the key priorities for our region is securing the line at Dawlish to prevent a recurrence of the collapse that happened in 2014. This has meant detailed survey work being done to identify the range of issues that might affect it, in particular the state of the cliffs behind the line. Using drones means survey work can be done more quickly and with less disruption than using a helicopter.
You can read more and watch a video about the work on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
The first part of getting real investment into our region’s rail network is being clear about what work needs doing and having a clear plan to deliver it. Too often in the past divisions within our region and arguments between MPs have prevented progress, yet now a united voice means a real chance of securing investment.
Events
Fossil Creations
31st May 2016 -10:00 – 13.00 or 13.30 – 16.30pm – Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE
Cost: £2.50 per child
Booking: No booking necessary.
For more information, click here
Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust – Meet the Occombe Bees
31st May 2016 -13:00 – 15.00 – Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN
Cost: £2.50 per person (12 years and over)
Booking: Essential as spaces limited
For more information, click here
Mammoth Hunt
1st June 2016 -10:30 – 15:00 – Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HF
Cost: Free with a museum entry ticket.
Booking: No booking necessary.
For more information, click here
