Jim Parker: Initiatives will help town shake off grim label

And a Happy New Year to you too! The headline wasn't exactly the most endearing way to welcome in 2024, especially for poor old Paignton.
It read: 'The once-thriving seaside town now a 's***hole' where '9 year olds stab you' and was supported by claims that 'the town is being over-run with feral knife-toting rooftop yobs'.
The alarming article - also based on other shocking claims published elsewhere - went on to 'reveal'. that county line gangs are recruiting children in Paignton as drugs runners and shopkeepers are being threatened by young yobs who are even throwing shopping trolleys off the top of multi-storey car parks.
The story was also purported to reflect what 'Urban explorer' and YouTuber Wendall had discovered after he decided to look into the damaging allegations himself and talk to people in Paignton during a whistle-stop visit.
But just hang on a minute. Somebody has to defend Paignton and if it has to be yours trully then so be it. Firstly, I and lots of others would be the first to accept that there are anti-social behaviour problems in Paignton and that is not forgetting Torquay either. And there are drugs issues like anywhere else in the UK.
But has Paignton really become Torbay's modern-day equivalent of Dodge City?
Thousands and thousands of people visit the town every year for its 'family fun on the foreshore' reputation. It is home to some of the most successful hi-tech companies in the world as well as the inspiring South Devon College and has already attracted millions of pounds in private investment for seafront hotels like the Fragrance Group's Mercure and Ibis and the newly-owned Redcliffe.
Torbay Council and its partners have also recognised there are particular problems, especially in both Paignton and Torquay town centres. So, too, has Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who has managed to help secure hundreds of thousands of pounds from the government's Safer Steets funding pot.
A recent cabinet meeting paid special attention to the issue. Council leader Dave Thomas announced a new approach to tackling anti-social behaviour in town centres to improve the experience for residents, businesses and visitors. The multi-pronged initiative includes the use of Public Space Protection Orders as well as introducing more ASB Investigation Officers, Town Centre Officers and Environmental Crime Enforcement Officers. This will at least double the number of ASB Enforcement Officers that are currently working across Torbay.
The council says: “Their roles will include establishing relationships with local businesses and gathering evidence and intelligence on what is happening to provide the right response to challenge behaviours that are causing concern. They will also build relationships and work with those people in the town centres who are causing or perceived to be causing ASB to reduce and prevent these behaviours.”
It won't just be about cracking down hard on those causing problems. The council says: “A team made up from a range of partners will also be reinstated to focus on supporting vulnerable people and using the right targeted interventions. The team will consist of council officers from a range of departments, including housing, social care, enforcement and rough sleeping. It will also include police officers and mental health outreach staff.”
The officers and multi-agency team will be in place from the spring.
The council adds: “In the meantime, Torbay Council and partners will continue to deliver solutions to anti-social behaviour. This includes the work in improving the Castle Circus and harbour areas of Torquay town centre and starting work in Paignton, following the success in securing Safer Streets funding. This includes community engagement and education, CCTV improvements and upgrades to street lighting.”
Of course, the problems are far more deep-rooted and linked to all kinds of social problems, including deprivation, poverty and for some people, especially the youngsters, boredom and little hope. And, of course, these measures alone aren't going to solve these issues overnight.
But they are a start and hand in hand with the game-changing regeneration projects lined up for our high streets, generating money into the economy and creating new jobs, they will eventiually make a huge difference for everybody and make Paignton - and Torquay - towns we can all be proud of, giving hope and providing a healthier and happier future for everybody, including our younger generation.
We can then also invite Wendall back for another visit!