News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Any views expressed in this news post are those of Kevin Foster, unless stated otherwise.
Paignton Hospital Update
On Tuesday South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) provided a “stakeholder update” regarding their plans to reconfigure local NHS services.
In it they confirmed their decision that Paignton Hospital is to stop taking in-patients from 3rd April 2017. You can read more about it on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Kevin Foster commented:
This news is not just disappointing, it is a slap in the face for so many local people who have campaigned hard to keep their services.
It is very hard to see how the CCG can define that the alternative services are apparently in place so quickly. When this is combined with the proposed changes at Torbay Hospital, I am now very concerned about where this leaves our health services in the Bay, and that we may encounter real problems this winter.
The CCG is accountable, the staff are public servants in receipt of public money. I will therefore be demanding an urgent meeting with the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, to discuss my fears about the combined impact these two changes could have.
Missing School Girl Appeal
A 14 year old school girl from Torquay has gone missing and there is some speculation that she may have run away with a boy she met on Snapchat.
When she was last seen Kayleigh was wearing black leggings, a dark coloured hoodie/jumper and black and white Nike trainers, with a black handbag. You can read further details and see a photograph on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Anybody with any information is asked to contact the Police on their 101 non-emergency number quoting reference log number 987 9/3/17.
Former Hospital Boss Sentenced
Yesterday, former Torbay Hospital Boss Paula Vasco-Knight was sentenced, along with her Husband, for her part in a fraud that cost the NHS £11,000.
She had previously pleaded guilty to paying her Husband public money for a publication that never existed. She was given a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 250 hours unpaid work by Exeter Crown Court. You can read more on the BBC website by clicking here.
Special School Burglary
Combe Pafford School in Watcombe works to give many children with special needs the help they need to succeed.
Sadly on Wednesday evening thieves helped themselves to valuable equipment after they had broken into the school. The alarm sounded at just after midnight and the school’s security team were on the scene within about ten minutes.
The projector stolen by the burglars was worth about £700, yet is unusable as they did not take the remote control needed to operate it!!!! The grey Epson projector was model no: EMP-83HE, serial no: KMDF 910021L it is also marked with an orange strip on the bottom ‘educational use only.
If you saw or know anything that might help the Police catch those responsible please contact PC/14245/Taylor via 101 at Torquay Police Station or email 101@dc.police.uk quoting CR/17060/17.
Improving Torbay’s Roads
Residents are being encouraged to report pothole or pavement defects to help the council identify priority repairs.
The Department for Transport has allocated a £117,000 pothole fund to Torbay Council for the 2017/18 financial year. This will be used to either repair potholes or to treat roads to prevent potholes from forming.
It follows £71,000 of Government funding in 2016/17 which was invested in various preventative and repair measures across Torbay such as minor road resurfacing and larger scale patching works to strategic routes. This supported routine and major maintenance programmes.
Potholes and pavement problems can be reported to the Council by clicking here. [Or, via Fix https://www.fixmystreet.com/ – Ed.]
New CEO For Rowcroft
Torquay’s Rowcroft Hospice has issued a renewed call for support to reach the financial target it has set to secure its finances.
The hospice’s urgent appeal has so far raised £500,000 and it is now calling on the community for their support to raise the final £85,000 by the end of March. The news comes as Rowcroft has appointed a new chief executive, Mark Hawkins.
You can read more about the appeal and how you can help support it on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Work Starts on New Dealership
Work has started on building a new dealership and after sales centre for the Eden Motor Group at Edginswell Business Park.
The new building will see Eden Vauxhall move operations from its current home in Torquay Road, Preston. The development is the first construction work on the business park since the Wighton Pub opened two years ago.
It is welcome to see this investment going ahead and you can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Register For Health Meeting
Late last year the NHS confirmed that it would undertake a review of Acute Services in Devon and a series of meetings are being held to “discuss the criteria that could be used to judge any proposals.
One of the meetings is being held in Paignton on Friday 24th March and residents are being asked to register their wish to attend.
You can find further details and how to register on the CCG website by clicking here.
Artizan Theft
Lucius Street in Torquay is home to a number of unique local businesses, including Artizan a Gallery that helps promote local artists and supports community events.
Sadly one of its prize exhibits, a bronze statue by a local artist, was stolen after a thief used a metal pole and a wooden block to break in during the early hours of Saturday Morning. It is particularly sad to see this business targeted as it is a small business looking to make a difference.
Torquay Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen anything overnight on Friday into the early hours of Saturday (4th March) morning. Anyone able to offer information regarding the incident is asked to email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting log 171 of March 4, 2017.
Security Review at Zoo
Many residents will have been shocked to hear of the attack on a Rhino in a French Zoo that saw the endangered animal killed and his horn removed with a chainsaw.
The Rhino is endangered due to its horn being greatly valued for “traditional” medicine in the Far East, despite the claims of its “powers” having been shown to be nothing but old wives tales The horn stolen is estimated to have a black-market value of £180,000.
Since the attack security at UK Zoos has been reviewed and I am advised that the Police have visited Paignton Zoo to discuss the security of their prized Rhinos.
Residents can play their part in ensuring ours stay safe by keeping an eye out for any suspicious behaviour (Particularly outside visiting hours) and reporting it to the Police.
Paignton Drugs Bust
Charlie and Jet, Paignton Police’s Drugs Dogs, have been busy this week as they helped officers sniff out more Class A and Class B drugs.
So far a total of around £90,000 worth of suspected drugs and proceeds of crime and vehicles have now been seized in the South Devon drugs busting Operation Olympic. Drugs and those who deal in them profit off the misery of others, with many engaging in violence to protect their “trade” or enforce debts.
It is good to see this work taking place and you can read more on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Clowns With Bite?
The idea of “Clowns with Bite” might make readers think of a famous horror movie, yet two recent arrivals at Paignton Zoo bring a new meaning to it.
The Clowns concerned are twin Pygmy Slow Loris born at Paignton Zoo in March. The name loris comes from an old Dutch word for clown.
The animals have a comical and endearing appearance which has sadly led to them becoming victims of the illegal pet trade, yet their toxic bite and strong odour make them very bad to have around the house. You can see a picture on the Zoo’s website by clicking here.
Events
SOS Club Business Breakfast
Tuesday 14th March – Living Coasts, Beacon Quay, Torquay, TQ1 2BG
Time – 07:30 – 09:00
Cost – £10 members, £12 non-members
Click here for more information
A Vision of Elvis
Friday 17th March – Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ
Time – 19:30
Cost – £26.50 + transaction fee
Click here for more information
Late Night Sci-Fi Film Show
Friday 17th March – Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HG
Time – 18:45 – 02:30
Cost – £12 – book in advance by calling 01803 293975
Click here for more information
