Dave Thomas: council plans for future are illuminating

What a weekend we have just had. Not only was our Bay of Lights Illumination Trail switched on and the Christmas Market at Torre Abbey opened, but the improvement  work around the harbour in Torquay was completed and the road re-opened. 

Firstly, I’d like to thank businesses in the area and you, residents of the bay for your patience, understanding, and support as we delivered this project for Torbay. We know at times it has been challenging, but we hope everyone enjoys the new look  and space at the harbourside. 

I attended the switch on event of the Illumination Trial on Friday night and despite the weather, it was great to see so many people out and about taking in both the trail and the market at Torre Abbey. I really was amazed at just how many people came out to enjoy what was a spectacular start to the month-long entertainment along the seafront. 

The Bay of Lights has really grown and this year, it is truly a Bay-wide initiative of  lots of organisations and businesses coming together. It incorporates everything from the Illumination Trail in Torquay, Brixham Lanterns, Lights & Illuminations, the  Christmas Train of Lights from Paignton, as well as seasonal events at local attractions including Kents Cavern and the Model Village at Babbacombe. 

If you haven’t made it out to see the trail yet, don’t worry, you have until January 2 so plenty of time, and fingers crossed for some dryer evenings. If you do go, I really do recommend starting and finishing at Torre Abbey. Have a wander around the new Christmas Market, purchase some food and drink and see Torre Abbey itself getting lit up as part of the Alive with Light projection show. 

The 3D video mapping film, which is projected onto the front of Torre Abbey, really is  something else – I sat through the six minute show on three separate occasions and I can assure you I will be returning again very soon. There is so much to see and every  time you watch – you literally see something new. This is one you need to put on  your ‘must do list’ this Christmas. 

I continued the weekend in the Christmas theme as I volunteered to help out Santa in his grotto raising funds for Rowcroft. A grotto and Santa’s Workshop has been set up, courtesy of Pier Point Restaurant and it was great to see the children’s faces  light-up as they entered the grotto to spend ten minutes telling Santa what they were  hoping to receive at Christmas. I hope to get a few more sessions with them before  the festive season ends – subject to my diary. 

You may have seen that we have a few consultations out at the moment that may be  of interest to you.  

The first is our proposals for next year’s budget consultation which was launched last  week. Our approach follows the same as last year. We will continue to focus on the  ongoing revenue pressures and delivering against our financial sustainability plans  and our Capital Investment Plan. 

We will be doing this while ensuring we concentrate on the things that our residents  have told us matter to them. Our Children and Adult Social Care budgets continue to  dominate our attention and this budget provides, where necessary, increased  resources to maintain these vital services. 

For another year there are no significant changes to the services we provide in this  draft budget. The Financial Sustainability Plans which we introduced last year are helping to make sure that our high-cost budget items remain on track and innovative  solutions are explored and delivered so we provide the best outcomes we can. 

The other consultation is the proposed plans for Union Square in Torquay. We want  to give you the opportunity to shape the future of Union Square shopping centre. This ambitious redevelopment will transform the area, creating much-needed homes,  leisure facilities, and public spaces that will benefit Torquay for generations to come. We encourage everyone to have their say through the consultation and help us build  a revitalised town centre that meets the needs of our community. 

As well as looking at the plans online, our next drop in event is taking place on  Thursday December 5 from 11am to 3pm in Union Square. Torquay Library also  has paper copies of the questionnaire along with information boards on the plans.  

You can read more information about these two consultations on our website – www.torbay.gov.uk/consultations