Dave Thomas: Your council's commitment to make sure town centres are safe

Leaders’ column  

w/c 6 May 2024   

Earlier this year, during our budget setting process, the Cabinet and I shared that we were putting £300,000 into Operation Town Centre. This was because we want to achieve high-quality, welcoming, and vibrant town centres. We want all communities who visit our town centres to feel safe and businesses can thrive.  

Along with this extra funding we also reviewed the Public Space Protection Orders that we had in place for our town centres. Following a consultation that helped us to shape these, the survey responses showed widespread support for changes.

These PSPO’s are now in place and will be for the next three years. They will be an important part of our work in Operation Town Centre. 

So what do these PSPO’s cover and what do they mean? We have amended the alcohol PSPO so it will now prohibit the consumption of alcohol in defined public spaces, which includes all three town centres and Torquay and Paignton seafronts. This means that when an authorised officer or the police sees someone drinking on the street, they can inform them of the PSPO and ask them to stop. Previously alcohol would only be removed if it was linked to nuisance or disorder.  

We have also introduced a new PSPO for Torquay town centre. This includes powers for the police and authorised officers to direct any individuals causing nuisance or disorder out of the area covered and not to return for up to 24 hours, or they will face enforcement. 

Under the conditions of the PSPOs, someone can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100 if they fail to follow the instructions of enforcement officers.  

I just want to say, A PSPO is not there to stop people enjoying our open spaces. We simply want to make sure that everyone can enjoy those spaces safely.  

We will be monitoring these PSPO’s to ensure they are having an impact and I’ll keep you updated on it. 

Now changing tact, I want to put a call out for anyone who would like to volunteer at the English Riviera Airshow, which is only three weeks away! 

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers and supporters to join the crew that will help make this year’s event a huge success. 

The two-day flying spectacular returns on Saturday and Sunday June 1 and 2. This year’s event is being delivered in a new way which means support from you, our community, organisations and businesses is vital. 

Volunteers are crucial to the smooth running for this event. They help with everything from selling programmes, collecting donations and helping with the ground crew to providing information to the public.  

You can sign up to volunteer on your own, with a friend, relative, or perhaps your local community group. You can choose how long you want to volunteer for, whether it’s just a half day or the whole weekend – it’s completely up to you. 

For organisations and charities, with enough collectors, we are offering a fundraising share so you can also raise money for your own local community projects.  For more information visit the English Riviera Airshow website or email the Volunteer Co-ordiantor sarah.mcdonald@torbay.gov.uk 

If you are unable to volunteer, you can still show your support by donating. For just £15 you can be a ‘Friend of English Riviera Airshow’ or you can donate £65 to become a ‘Patron’ of the event. As a Patron, you will receive two invitations to the launch event, exclusive pin badges and a Patron window sticker. Your contribution will go directly towards the running costs of the show, helping to secure the future of the Bay’s most popular event. Sign up on the Support pages on the English Riviera Airshow website and join the growing list of named Airshow donors. 

Whether you are a volunteer or you just come along to see the show put on, it will be a great event.