News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Any views expressed in this news post are those of Kevin Foster, unless stated otherwise.
New £6.5m Factory Investment Brings More Manufacturing to the Bay
Manufacturing in the bay was given a boost this week as Torbay Council announced it is building its first factory, using £6.5m from an investment fund to bring a Japanese-owned company into the Bay.
The council will invest £6.5m in a construction project that will see a 64,500ft unit built for Totnes-based company Graphic Controls Ltd. The move will save 45 jobs and staff numbers are expected to increase to 96 by 2020 through a mixture of business growth and acquisition.
The move is part of a new Torbay Council Investment Fund strategy. The rents paid to the council through the fund will generate long-term income to help fund council services in addition to paying back the cost of the building. Many councils across the country have significant property assets that they use to support their economy and to deliver a profit for taxpayers, particularly those subject to rebuilding programs after Air Raids during WWII. You can read more on the Devon Live website by clicking here.
Bus Petition Meeting
Whilst many routes previously provided by Local Link were taken by other operators some were not. The areas that have been highlighted to me in particular are the Lyme View Road area of Babbacombe, Quinta Road and the Lichfield Avenue area of Hele/Barton.
The TCDT started a not for profit our bus service to replace the 60\61 routes in April and as reported in recent updates are looking to expand their service. Copied below is the latest update received from the Council.
The outcome of the meeting earlier today was that the residents would organise a petition to demonstrate the support for having a service in the areas affected.
Update from Council:
Hi (Staff Member),
We are still working on the figures.
My understanding is that they will be finalised next week or later this week and the CDT will be submitting a bid proposal to the Council to assist with procurement of vehicles to continue the community transport services, including the 60.
As you know these routes do not stack up commercially and TCDT has to ensure they can run them without a loss. Proposals, once finalised will need to be considered by the CDT Trustee Executive group, which can be done as soon as the financial are finalised.
I will give you an update ASAP, once the business case has been considered.
Mark King
Conservative Party and Ward Councillor for Cockington with Chelston
Torbay Council.
Executive Lead for Housing, Planning, Transport and Waste.
Police Appeal on Missing Woman
Murder probe detectives are appealing for information about a missing woman with links to Torquay.
It concerns the disappearance of 32-year-old Kirby Noden, who was last seen on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. You can read more and see a picture of her on the Devon Live website by clicking here.
Have a look at her photo on the website and if you know anything that may help the Police do get in touch with them on their 101 non-emergency number.
Park Home Prosecution
The operators of Falcon Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, have been heavily fined at Exeter Crown Court earlier this week following a joint prosecution by Torbay Council and the Health and Safety Executive.
As well as being fined £90,000 under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Falcon Park operators have also been ordered to carry out over £100,000 remedial works and pay £25,000 costs.
Health and Safety Improvement Notices, served in 2015 and 2016 to address safety concerns with construction work, defective retaining walls and poorly maintained earth banking, were not completed as required by the legal notices at the time of the Court action. Court Orders have been issued to require these works to be completed within 3 months.
Given the current attention on safety standards nationally it is welcome to see the action being taken by Torbay Council locally to enforce them.
Blood Donation Week
National Blood Week from 19 -25 June is celebrating the life-saving difference that blood donors make every day.
Over the last year 900,000 people have given up their time to help patients in need, but more new donors are needed. In England, 200,000 new blood donors are needed to ensure that patients in the future have access to the blood they need, when they need it.
When you give blood, you can save someone’s life while going about your own. All you need to do is give blood, and you’ll be right there, helping someone when they need it. It’s easy to register to give blood. Just click here or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session.
Paignton Seafront Site To Become Restaurant
A few weeks ago we reported that the Lighthouse, which overlooks Paignton Green, had been bought by a new owner.
Plans have been unveiled by the new owners to redevelop the derelict site and bring it back into use. Their development plans for the building include the opening of a restaurant.
The three-storey detached former nightclub property also has two separate flats, and the new owners have said that the project will offer a ‘quality establishment’ to add to the seafront businesses. You can read more on the Devon Live website by clicking here.
Classic Car Day
Does your Dad love Classic cars?
The 2017 Great West Jaguar and Classic car Day is being hosted in the grounds of Torre Abbey Museum on Sunday 18 June, Father’s Day. Entry is Free and the event runs from 10.30am to 4pm and is guaranteed to be a superb day out for all the family.
The show will include more than 100 classic cars, including the Jaguar Suffolk SS100, C Types and XKS. There will also be many other cars on show including Bentleys, Rovers, Humbers, Mercedes and old favourites such as the Reliant, Mini and Morris.
Fight For Position in Downing Street
Reading this headline you might have thought we were referring to the Prime Minister’s work to stay in office, yet the fur really could be flying in one Downing St jostle for position this week.
Larry, Number 10’s resident moggy, and Palmerstone, resident mouser of the Foreign Office, this week nearly came to blows again outside the most famous door in the world. Like most inhabitants of Number 10 Larry is fiercely protective of his domain and is not keen when those from other departments try and muscle in on it.
Larry and Palmerstone have been facing off for some time, yet as talks about political power were underway in Downing St, political journalists could not help but focus on the antics of the two moggies. You can see the footage for yourself on the BBC Website by clicking here.
For those wondering both cats remain in post even if their political housemates move elsewhere.
Events
Movie Mania
Saturday 17th June
2pm till 4.15pm
SHOWING: SING (u)
All kids are welcome, with parents or without!
Living Waters Church, 358 Torquay Road, Preston
For more details call: 01803 552538
Grand Summer Fete
Saturday 24th June – St Martin’s Church Barton Hill Road
The fun starts at 2pm in the Church Hall and Grounds.
There will be a Grand Draw, Bouncy Castle, Sideshows, Tombola and much more!!!
Family Fun Day
Sunday 2nd July – Torwood Gardens (weather permitting)
Time – 1pm till 4pm.
Sports Day, Homemade Cakes, Inflatables, BBQ and Lots More!
Riviera LIFE Church
Click here for more info.
Babbacombe Model Village Evening Illuminations
Every Thursday until End of October – Hampton Avenue, Torquay, TQ1 3LA
Time – 10:00-21:00
Cost – Usual Prices Apply
Click here for more information
