News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Stoodley Knowle Set For New Owner
Last year Stoodley Knowle School closed after 90 years and its site has been put up for sale.
This week it was revealed that a new owner for the site is expected to be in place by the middle of this month. You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Large parts of the site are protected from development and any future use, other than a school, would require planning permission to allow this.
Police Appeal For Help After Hate Incident
Police in Torquay are appealing for help to identify a man involved in a hate crime incident at Torbay Islamic Centre.
The centre is in Avenue Road, Torquay and the incident took place on 16th August. The man was caught on CCTV and the images are fairly clear.
Have a look at them on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Brave Tourist Saves Little Girl
A young girl’s life was saved this week after a brave tourist dived into the sea to rescue her.
The little girl, who was visiting Torquay with her family, got too close to the edge of Haldon Pier and feel into the water on the seaward side. Quick thinking Paul Logan jumped in and was able to keep her afloat until both were hauled from the water. You can read more about the incident on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Whilst neither the girl nor her rescuer were harmed, it is a timely reminder of what can happen if younger children get too close to the edge of the Harbour Walls.
Paignton Hospital Consultation Starts
The formal consultation on plans to close Paignton Hospital started yesterday.
There will be four public consultation meeting and do pop at least one of the dates in your diary as it is vital there is a good turnout:
Paignton: 28 Sept 9am, 4pm and 7pm Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 24 Cecil Road, Paignton, TQ3 2SH
Torquay: 6 Oct 6.30pm Upton Vale Baptist Church, St. Marychurch Road, Torquay, TQ1 3HY
You can read the full consultation documents on the CCG website by clicking here.
Zion Chapel Plans To Be Discussed
Recently, plans had been submitted to the Council for a redevelopment of the old B&Q store in Torre.
A couple of readers mentioned the condition of the old Zion Chapel and associated buildings opposite. The combination of the two sites make for an unattractive view for those travelling along the busy road in and out of Torquay Town Centre and for those living nearby.
A redevelopment plan has also been submitted for this site and you can hear more about it at this week’s meeting of the Steering Group of the Torre & Upton Community Partnership.
The meeting will take place at 6:30pm on Wednesday at Endeavour House in Union St and do drop them a line at torreandupton@hotmail.com if interested in attending.
Is Torbay Really One of The Worst?
There was surprising news this week when a national survey decided to list Torbay as one of the worst places in the country to bring up a family.
Ignoring that we benefit from beautiful coastline, lower air pollution and a decent schools system, the survey listed us as 109 out of 138 local authority areas.
The outcome seems odd given the criteria included items like council tax, employment and sunshine. It is also safe to say few people when asked to imagine the ideal place to bring up their children would list a crowded city centre or busy industrial landscape as their top choices.
You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here, but whilst like other areas we have our issues this rating seems to fly in the face of so many families choosing to live here and to eventually hope to retire here.
Community Larder In Ellacombe
The Salavation Army have a project to run a new Community Larder at their Citadel in Market Street, Torquay.
The vision for the project comes out of the church considering what it can do to support the community around it. They have a number of volunteers, but are looking for any help people in the community can give with supplies.
If you think you could support their efforts just drop a line to andy.toby@salvationarmy.org.uk
Rhino Trail Continues
Whilst this week marks the end of the school summer holidays there is still plenty of time to check out the Great Big Rhinos Trail.
The life size Rhino statues have been attracting a lot of attention from both residents and visitors alike with their eye catching designs. You can find all the details you need to get started on the trail by visiting the dedicated website, just click here to be taken to it.
Sadly the Rhinos have also been the target of vandals, with a couple becoming almost as endangered as the species the project is aiming to save. If you see one being attacked or vandalised then please let the Police know.
Monkey Caesarean
There was good news at Paignton Zoo this week after a King Colobus monkey was delivered by caesarean section.
It is more common to hear of this operation being performed on humans, but this time it was just as vital to ensure a happy outcome for Mum and Baby.
You can read more, plus see a rather cute baby monkey, on the Paignton Zoo website by clicking here.
This Waxing Really Did Sting!
We may all grimace at the thought of having our legs, back or arms waxed particularly if you are rather hairy, yet one recent waxing had a real sting to it.
A Devon woman on disability benefit was literally caught red handed when she waxed the legs of an undercover investigator, despite having claimed her health meant she had an arm injury and was also unable to walk.
Benefit Fraud does not just affect Government finances, it also means systems have to be put in place that mean genuine claimants can face delays getting the help they need. She has now been ordered to repay over £17,000 of falsely claimed benefits after a proceeds of crime hearing at Plymouth Crown Court. You can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Events
Torbay Holiday Helpers Network Festival of Fun
Saturday 3rd September is the THHN Festival of Fun on Babbacombe Downs.From Midday day until 9pm there is a stunning line up of music acts in the FREE Festival Marquee, plus a range of other activities.
Cowes Torquay Cowes Classic Offshore Powerboat Race
4th September 2016 – 13:00, Vaughan Parade, Torquay, TQ2 5JG
Cost: Free
Booking: No booking necessary
For more information, click here
Torbay Blue Cross Open Day
Saturday 3rd September 2016, 10:30 – 14:30 – Torbay Blue Cross Rehoming Centre, Ashley Priors Lane,Torquay, TQ1 4SE
Cost: Free
Booking: No booking necessary
For more information, click here
Tots Go Wild Outdoors
8th September 2016, 9:30 – 11:30 – Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN
Cost: £5 per child (age range toddlers to 5-year-olds, babies can come along free of charge)
Booking: Essential
For more information, click here
