News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Paignton Hospital Consultation Meetings
Since the formal consultation on plans to close Paignton Hospital started lots of residents have been expressing their views on the proposals.
This week three of the four public meetings being held by local NHS Chiefs as part of the consultation are taking place. Interestingly all three are taking place on the same day, Wednesday 28th September. The venue is Sacred Heart Church Hall, Cecil Road, Paignton, TQ3 2SH. The meetings are being held at 9am, 4pm and 7pm.
Those of you who have been in this church hall will know that it is not the largest of buildings, but don’t be put off from attending. A full and overflowing room at any of these meetings will make a very strong impression.
You can read the full consultation documents on the CCG website by clicking here.
Witness Appeal After Armed Robbery in Paignton
Police in Paignton are appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery at a convenience store last Sunday.
The raid involved three men who hit one staff member on the head and threatened both staff members with violence. You can read more details on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Given the violence involved it is vital these men are brought to justice. If you were in the vicinity of Marldon Road last Sunday (18th September) at about 10:30pm and saw anything suspicious do get in touch with the Police on their 101 non-emergency number quoting reference CR/066259/16.
Looking For Work Experience?
One question regularly asked during Kevin Foster’s visits to local schools is whether he offers work experience to those who would like to find out more about what being an MP involves.
The answer is yes and only this week he had an enquiry from a local Sixth Former who would like to spend a week shadowing me at Westminster.
He can offer opportunities for work experience both at his office here in the bay and at Westminster. So if you know someone living in the bay who might benefit from being able to do this then encourage them to call Nick Gray, his Chief of Staff, on 020 7219 4711.
The World Is Rocking in the Bay
This week the world really will be rocking in the bay as we welcome the 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks.
If you have ever wondered what a Geopark is or what others look like, there is a chance to find out as the conference includes a Geofair that is open to all. The fair is taking place on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th September, between 2pm and 5pm at the Riviera International Conference Centre (RICC), Torquay.
Over 700 delegates will be visiting the conference from over 50 countries. Many of the countries such as China, Indonesia, South Korea, Finland and Denmark will have stands showcasing their own Geoparks.
Consultation Starts On Planning Contributions and Affordable Housing
The Council has started a consultation on its Draft Planning Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
The Draft SPD is open for comments until 9 am on Monday 31st October 2016. The draft document can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. Alternatively you can see a hard copy at any local library in Torbay.
In addition the council is currently consulting on Proposed Modifications to the Community Infrastructure Levy Draft Charging Schedule, the closing date for this is Monday 17th October 2016 and you can also find details of this on the same web page.
Environmental Project Funding
If you are part of a community group that is looking to carry out an environmental project then a new funding opportunity may be of interest, but you will need to be quick.
The Postcode Local Trust, a grant-giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, has opened its latest funding round, but the deadline for applications is next Friday (30th September) at 5pm.
The fund tells me it is open for applications from local groups working to improve local ecology and habitats, encourage bio-diversity and benefit the wider environment. Groups can apply for funding ranging from £500 – £20,000.
Love Your High St
The Bay’s second “Love your High Street” week will be taking place from Monday 28th November 2016.
Love your High Street week is a campaign which encourages local people to shop more frequently in independent shops around the Bay and helps spread the message about why spending locally is so important. The first campaign week took place in July. The project is being funded by the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.
The Love your High Street week is free of charge to all independent retailers wishing to get involved. Marketing packs and resources will be available (for free) to high street businesses to help celebrate the campaign.
If you would like more information or you would like to register to be a part of Love your High Street just click here or follow the team on Twitter @loveyourhighsttorbay
Bank of England Schools Contest
The Bank of England is looking for secondary schools from Torbay to take part in a new digital media competition about the role of the Bank called Bank, Camera, Action!
The bank wrote this week outlining the details of the competition as they are keen to get entries from across the country, not just from schools in London or the wider South East.
In simple terms school children aged 11-16 are invited to submit a short film to the Bank on topics which will change from year to year. This year’s title is ‘A day in the life of the New Fiver’. To take part schools must register for the competition by 10 October 2016. The closing date for film entries is 12 December 2016.
If this sounds of interest more details can be found on the Bank’s website by clicking here.
Free Stalls at Jobs Fair
If you are looking for a job or are a business needing to recruit, the South Devon Jobs Fair is being held on Friday 7th October.
Delivered by the TDA in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, this free Jobs Fair will take place in Torquay’s Town Hall Assembly Rooms from 9.30 am to 1 pm and will provide job seekers the opportunity to meet with over 50 local employers across a wide range of sectors who have live vacancies to fill.
The organisers are keen for employers to promote any active vacancies they may have at the time of the event, and in the run up to Christmas to help with seasonal recruitment.
Free employer stands are still available and can be booked online by clicking here. Job seekers can just turn up on the day. Advice is to come early and bring copies of your CV.
Torre Marine Update
Earlier this year a site visit was arranged with the Council, Barratt Homes and local residents to identify solutions to the outstanding issues on Torre Marine Estate.
Whilst building work on the homes ended some years ago a final scheme for the land that fronts Newton Road has still not been implemented. In addition a site next to it that was intended to be a retirement flats complex has been an eyesore for some years, although dealing with this is further complicated by the site having been sold to another developer.
Following the meeting work was done to tidy the grass area and recently Barratt’s e-mailed indicating they believe they have a scheme that is ready for approval by the council to resolve drainage issues and the main grass site.
There is an urgent need for work to start on site making further delays frustrating but there does finally appear to be some light at the end of this very long tunnel.
Is that Barnstaple Police?
One Devon woman found herself speaking to a puzzled Police Officer when she called to report an accident in North Devon.
She tried to call Barnstaple Police and was put through to a Police Officer. The only problem being that she had called the Police Department in Barnstable, Massachusetts, USA, not our own Devon & Cornwall Police that covers Barnstaple in North Devon.
The result was a hilarious conversation that has been shared on social media and you can listen to a recording of it by clicking here. The suggested response time of six hours indicated they would sadly not be able to help with this particular query.
Events
Ghost Hunting Night at Torquay Museum
24th September 2016, 20:00 – 02:00, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HG
Cost: £25, includes refreshments
Booking: Is essential, call 01803 293975 to book
For more information, click here
MacMillan Coffee Morning at All Saints’ Church
30th September 2016, 10:30 – 12:00, All Saints’ Church Hall, Bampfylde Road, TQ2 5AP
Cost: £3 – includes refreshments
Booking: No booking necessary
Magical Melodies with The Riviera Singers and Torbay Ukulele Club
30th September 2016, 19:30 – Goodrington Methodist Church, Grange Road, Paignton, TQ4 7JT
Cost: £7 – includes refreshments
Booking: No booking necessary
Ageing Well Festival
The Ageing Well Festival is being held on the 1st and 2nd October.
A range of activities to be held at Torre Abbey on Saturday 1st October from 10am until 5:30pm, with entry free of charge. Free tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.
There will also be a Traditional Sunday Lunch on offer at a number of venues across the bay on Sunday 2nd October. For a full list and to enquire about booking arrangements call 01803 212638
You can find full details of all that is on offer as part of the festival on its website by clicking here.
