News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Town Centre Regeneration Raised At PMQs
This week Kevin Foster posed a question at Prime Minister’s Question time.
He decided to highlight the current situation in Torquay Town Centre. The potentially imminent closure of BHS brings a real urgency to moving forward regeneration plans, hence deciding to highlight this during the weekly session.
You can see a video of his question and hear the Prime Minister’s response on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Paignton Hospital Beds
A proposal had been announced to reduce the number of beds at Paignton Hospital from 28 to 16 on a temporary basis.
The reasoning given for this proposal by the Trust is that it related to the availability of core nursing staff. This included a mention of employees leaving the Hospital due to securing posts elsewhere in the trust itself. Whilst not explicitly referred to it is likely that the recent airing of (yet to be consulted on) proposals to close the hospital may be playing a role in encouraging staff to look for other jobs.
The proposal has already come into effect due to the staffing issue affecting safety. Whilst a service cannot be provided without the relevant number of staff, this problem was not unpredictable and the concern is that a “temporary” situation might easily become a permanent loss.
You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Oldway Legal Wrangle
Yet again the only people “working” on Oldway this week were lawyers as the latest twists in the case saw the matter in court again.
The Herald Express provides a good summary of the current situation and you can read it by clicking here.
Hopes Nose Feedback Sought
Hopes Nose may be a unique piece of coastline, but sadly it is being plagued with problems of litter and anti-social behaviour.
Due to the continuing problems Torbay Council is asking for feedback on proposals to implement some restrictions on how it is used. This is with a view to maintaining public access, but there is a hint that if damage to this precious site continues at the current rate then this position may need to change.
You can read the latest proposals and let the Council know what you think about them by clicking here.
Shingles Vaccine
The Shingles vaccination is currently available on the NHS to certain people in their 70s and residents are being reminded to take up this chance to avoid a nasty disease.
The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm. Unlike the flu jab, you’ll only need to have the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of the year.
The shingles vaccine is routinely available to people aged 70 and 78. You become eligible for the vaccine on the first day of September 2015 after you have turned 70 or 78 and remain so until the last day of August 2016.
You can find out more about this vaccination on the NHS website by clicking here.
Torbay Needs YOU!!!
People from across the bay are being invited to get involved with a major international conference coming to Torbay in September.
The 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, taking placing at the Riviera International Centre in September, will see up to 1000 delegates visiting Torbay from over 50 countries worldwide.
Running from Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 September, the main conference takes place at the Riviera International Conference Centre (RICC), with break out meetings and events at Torre Abbey Historic House, Occombe Farm, The Cary Arms and the Imperial Hotel.
Anyone who is interested in helping out can attend a Volunteer Recruitment Fair for the conference taking place 6.30pm on Monday 25 July at Kents Cavern to find out more, or register your interest on the website by clicking here.
Events
Paignton Gig Rowing Regatta
9th July 2016, South Quay, The Harbour, Paignton, TQ4 6DT
Cost: Free.
Booking: No booking necessary.
For more information, click here
The Sleep Walk
9th July 2016 – 19:30 – Late – Torbay Leisure Centre, Penwill Way, Paignton, TQ4 5JR
Cost: Free.
Booking: No booking necessary.
For more information, click here
LiNX Christian Youth Trust Concert
15th July 2016 – 19:00 – 21:00 – Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ
Cost: £3.00
Booking: No booking necessary, but tickets are available online via the link for £2.00
For more information, click here
