News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Paignton Hospital Consultation
In April the local Health Trust and CCG unveiled plans to close Paignton Hospital and remove many of its services from the town.
A Clinical Hub was suggested to provide some of the services currently at the Hospital, yet there were no details available about this, including the rather crucial one of where it would be built. No provision would remain for In-patient Hospital Beds in Paignton, with the Trust’s plan being to attempt to retain places in residential care homes instead, and the Minor Injuries Unit would close. Community Teams based in terraced houses opposite the Hospital would be transferred to an office block on the Kings Ash Road.
The consultation on these plans was initially scheduled to start in May, but was delayed due to NHS England wanting additional information. It is also safe to say the questions suggested for the consultation were highly loaded giving no real option for residents to have their say.
It was confirmed this week that the trust will be formally launching its consultation on closing Paignton Hospital (Along with other community hospitals in South Devon) on 1st September. There will be four public meetings held in the bay as part of this consultation so do pop the following dates in your diary as it is vital that there is a large turnout:
Paignton Wednesday 28 Sept 9am, 4pm and 7pm Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 24 Cecil Road, Paignton, TQ3 2SH
Torquay Thursday 6 Oct 6.30pm Upton Vale Baptist Church, St. Marychurch Road, Torquay, TQ1 3HY
You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Council Tax Support Changes
Earlier this week the Council launched a consultation on proposed changes to its current Council Tax support scheme, better known as Council Tax Benefit.
The proposed changes could see the maximum amount of benefit available (In essence the amount of Council Tax someone qualifying does not have to pay) reduced and other changes to the relevant eligibility criteria brought in. You can read the full details, plus find out how to comment on these proposals, on the Council’s website by clicking here. The changes do not affect State Pension credit age households.
£1m for Survey Work at Dawlish
After the storm of 2014 which cut our vital rail link it was agreed that a long term plan for our railways needed to be put in place.
A key part of this is securing the line at Dawlish and vital work is underway on a £1m survey project to get a detailed picture of what work is needed to stabilise the cliffs that adjoin the line. As you might have seen on Spotlight tonight this work requires a head for heights with engineers abseiling down the cliffs to get the detail they need.
The survey work will continue until October. You can read more on the Western Morning News website by clicking here.
Once this latest survey work is complete it will form the basis of detailed plans to secure the line.
Lots of Fun On Offer At Children’s Week
There will be lots of fun available on Paignton Green as the 70th Children’s Week starts on Tuesday 16th August.
The popular annual event is continuing thanks to sponsorship from local businesses and donations from individuals.
There is far too much going on to include everything in this update but you can find all the details on their dedicated website by clicking here.
Vaccine Reminder For Students
Torbay Council’s Public Health team is encouraging students to make sure they are vaccinated by September.
New students to university and sixth form should get in touch with their GP to book in for the Meningitis ACWY vaccine and any other vaccines they did not receive as an infant.
Torbay Council’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Derek Mills, told me that “Bacterial Meningitis is an extremely dangerous infection if left untreated and the best way to ensure you are kept healthy is prevention. The vaccine is free from a GP surgery and can be administered through a routine appointment.”
Meningitis can be a killer so the vaccine is a vital way of staying safe and is something to be sorted before heading off to University. You can find out more details by clicking here.
Minimum Wage Breakers Named
The new Living Wage will see many low earners across the bay receive a pay rise.
Most employers treat their staff well and honour their obligations to them, yet this week nearly 200 that tried to avoid paying employees their legal due were named and shamed. You can read the full list on the Government website by clicking here.
Paying the minimum wage (Currently £7.20 per hour for over 25s) is a legal duty. If you or someone you know is concerned they are receiving below this hourly rate from their employer you can find helpful advice on the government website by clicking here.
Hiring Staff?
If your business is recruiting there is a chance to take part in a free Jobs Fair in Torquay on Friday 7th October.
Delivered by Torbay Council and TDA in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, this free event will take place in Torquay’s Town Hall Assembly Rooms from 9.30am to 2pm, providing job seekers the opportunity to meet with over 50 local employers. (If you know someone looking for work or about to start doing so do let them know to pop this date in their diary.)
Full event information, including a list of businesses exhibiting, is available on the Jobs Fair website by clicking here. Any companies wishing to exhibit can register for a free stand on the website or email Rebecca Salter on Rebecca.salter@tedcltd.com or call 01803 208369.
Latest Video of Tiger Cub
This week Paignton Zoo released new footage of their three-month old Sumatran Tiger Cub.
He is pictured with his Mother Shakira and the footage of him playing with her is lovely to watch. You can see the video on the Western Morning News website by clicking here.
Sadly his two siblings passed away not long after they were born, but the footage of this youngster is a reminder of the vital work Paignton Zoo does to help bring species back from the brink of extinction.
Bierkeller Licensing Application
After a few years empty the former Blu Cargo building is set to re-open as a German style Bierkeller.
A licensing application in relation to this has now been submitted and you can read it on the Council website by clicking here.
Given recent news about some businesses closing in the Town Centre it is welcome to see this investment in a part of it that needs improvement.
Island for Sale
Many reading this update will dream of buying their own island, probably in the Caribbean, but a “chance” to buy an island slightly closer to home was not what it seemed.
The advert on a London website listed a “private island” for sale. The island in question? Thatcher Rock.
A few people quickly took to social media to denounce this sale of a public asset, yet a read of the details and some basic maths soon revealed it as a practical joke. The island was, according to the advert, going to be sold via a raffle with each of the 11 tickets guaranteeing a 10% stake with the “winner” getting a 50% share, a total of 150%!!!
You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here. but the real owners have made clear they have no intention of selling this piece of our natural heritage.
Events
John Bryden Organ Recital
20th August 2016 – 19:30, St Matthias’ Church, Wellswood, TQ1 1HW
Cost: £10 includes wine & nibbles
Booking: No booking necessary, tickets available on the night
For more information, call 01803 214175
BMAD Bike Nights
Every Wednesday between 1st June – 28 September 2016,18:00 – 22:00 – Paignton Seafront, The Esplanade, Paignton, TQ4 6ED
Cost: Free for spectators, £1 for motorcyclists.
Booking: No booking necessary.
For more information, click here
International Street Market
29th July – 14th August 2016 – Princess Promenade, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ
Cost: Free
Booking: No booking necessary
For more information, click here
Paignton Regatta 2016
6th – 14th August 2016, 10am – Paignton Green, Paignton, TQ4 6ED
Cost: Free
Booking: No booking necessary
For more information, click here
