MP for Torbay, Kevin Fosters Residents’ Update: Friday 15th February 2019

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Please note that we will now be posting an abridged version of Kevin’s update covering local news items. To receive his full update please sign up via his office contact details.

 

Torquay Magistrates Court, 

Since its closure Torquay Magistrates Court has laid empty, with few potential purchasers showing much interest in a building designed for a unique purpose and whose basement was built as a Civil Defence Bunker.

St Mary Mag’s Church next door is looking to expand its youth, community and worship in a way not possible solely within its magnificent Victorian Building. It is therefore looking into whether it could acquire the former court building.

On Monday I arranged for representatives of the Church to meet with Justice Minister Lucy Frazer for a discussion about their plans. The meeting was positive, with more work to be done.

PATH, 

The future for local charity PATH looks bleak with Torbay Council set to evict them from their temporary home this week.

Whilst the Abbey Road premises is not a place for them to stay in long term, throwing them onto the street at a time of year when their services are most needed is not appropriate. It appears the main purpose of the eviction is so the building can be put up for sale with vacant possession, rather than it needing to be handed over to a new purchaser.

My attempts to persuade the Council to grant a reprieve for the Charity whilst they find a new premises have not been successful so far, with the Council’s Chief Executive sending an email confirming the decision of the Mayoral Executive to back this course of action. I have had a positive conversation with Cllr Dave Thomas, Leader of the Conservative Group, but due to the Mayoral system running the council (until its abolition on 2nd May) it is not a decision he can take.

I have advised the Chief Executive of Torbay Council I will be consulting Mr Speaker to identify if there is an opportunity to raise this matter and comment on the actions of those involved in the House of Commons, with the benefit of parliamentary privilege whilst doing so.

Shedden Hall Hotel, 

Following my comments in last week’s update about the apparent lack of progress with this hotel I am pleased to report Torbay Council responded by getting in touch with the owner to chase progress.

Torbay Council are currently reviewing the matter with a view to taking enforcement action under the provisions of Sec 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Enforcement action under the provisions of the above legislation could include works in default to improve the appearance of the building, or prosecution for non-compliance.

It is hoped the owner will work with the council to either expedite the redevelopment of the site, or to undertake the necessary works to improve the appearance of the building for the benefit of the local community. Yet given the lengthy time the site has been derelict it is clear action is needed to ensure work gets underway.

Events

Now until 28th February Artizan Gallery Re-Launch feat: works of Martin Dutton, FG Davis, Kirsteen Titchener,Susan Cavaliere, and Jo West

https://www.art-hub.co.uk/feb19

Now until 24th February Rivieera Art Fair feat: works from Devon Art Society, Torbay Guild of Artists and Brixham Art Society. Spanish Barn,Torre Abbey

Saturday 16th February Free Drop’n’shop – Drop Your Children Aged 5-11 With Us While You Shop Or Chill In A Local Coffee Shop It’s Up To You. Reserve Your Place By Phone 07504990613 – 10am To 12pm. Lead By Qualified Teachers All Helpers Are DBS Checked
And Safeguarding Trained. Engage Torbay Church, 8a Lower Union Lane, Torquay TQ2 5PN.
www.Facebook.Com/Engage Torbay Church

Saturday, 16th February, 12 Noon – 2.00 p.m  – “Soup & Pud At St. Matthias’Church Hall, Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HW. Admission £5. Delicious homemade soup with puddings and coffee/tea. Raffle, Bring & Buy stall. Proceeds in aid of Rowcroft Hospice.  Do come and bring a friend to support this worthwhile cause.”

Saturday 16th February – YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB – ARCHAEOLOGY ON FILM: A PRACTICAL WORKSHOP. 10 – 4pm at Torquay Museum; Cost: £15 per child member
SPACES LIMITED TO 10 CHILDREN – SO MUST BE PRE-BOOKED. Click here for more details.

Thursday 21 February – The Blue Walnut cinema are showing “The Boat That Rocked”.
Doors open at 1930 for a film start at 2000. Non members very welcome £6, but please ring 01803-392522 to reserve your place.

Friday 22nd February – Torbay Hospital League of Friends host The Torbay Police and Community Choir and The Morriston Ladies Choir at Central Church, Torquay. Tickets are £10 – contact Roy Tuttle on 01803 369617 – Click here to download the advert.

What’s Going On In Wellswood? – click here to see a full list of the many social events taking place in Wellswood throughout February.

Every Tuesday from 0930 till 1230. The Royal British Legion Office, 39 Church Street, Paignton is open. It is where ex members of the armed forces can receive help and advice. Appointments can be made by phoning 01803 555838, or email paignton.bcs@rbl.community.

2nd Wednesday of each month at the Quaker Meeting House in Torquay – Torbay Interfaith Forum meet. For more details click here.

PARKFIELD Youth services have a range of activities throughout the week for young people – click hereto see what’s on and when.

Are you running an event in the Bay? I am always looking to promote local events, big or small. If you have an event coming up, please email kevin.foster.mp@parliament.uk so it can be included.

Advice Surgeries

Friday 22nd February, 3pm – 5pm @ Paignton Baptist Church, 43 Winner Street, Paignton TQ3 3BJ

Saturday 2nd March, 10pm – 12pm @ St Martins Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay TQ2 8JA

Saturday 9th March, 11am – 1pm @ Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Road, TQ3 2RB

Saturday 16th March, 11am – 1pm @ The Acorn Centre, Lummaton Cross, Torquay TQ2 8ET

Saturday 23rd March, 11am – 1pm @ Paignton Library, Great Western Road, Paignton TQ4 5AG

Friday 29th March, 3pm – 5pm @ The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Road, Torquay TQ2 7QB

It’s always best to book a slot to guarantee being able to see me. Full details of how to do this are on my website or you can call my office on  01803 214989, Monday – Fridays, 9am – 5pm.

You can either email me at  kevin@kevinjfoster.com or leave a message on 01803 214989 and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

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