Torbay Weekly readers weigh in recent headlines

By the end of the week, it came as no surprise that much of the conversation revolved around Storm Darragh, as households across the country battened down the hatches and sought safety indoors. Across Devon, trees were uprooted, windows smashed, debris scattered across streets and gardens, and The Barnstaple Hotel temporarily closed due to significant roof damage.

Other key topics throughout the week included Torbay Hospital, growing pressure on Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez to resign, and the council's proposed closure of hearing impairment units at Torquay's St Margaret’s Academy and Spires College.

Former Conservative MP Kevin Foster sparked debate over the possible upgrade of Torbay Hospital, referencing concerns raised by Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling.

Kevin says: “Back in June [Steve Darling] dismissed any suggestion a change in government would see the funding for the hospital rebuild reviewed. He got the change in government he wanted, now the funding is under review…”

In response, Matt Pope challenges: “After running public services into the ground you want us to believe they were safer in conservative hands. Is that a form of Stockholm syndrome?”

The discussion quickly shifted to the NHS, with the individuals fiercely debating accountability for its current state.

Kevin opines: “Take a look at Wales, the NHS there has been run by Labour, with the odd deal with the Lib Dems, since 1999 Devolution. Outcomes and services are worse....”

Matt replies: “Almost as if the whole system was underfunded nationally... no one's falling for your whataboutary, your party did untold damage to so much but can't seem to take any responsibility, always someone else's fault then you decide the answer is to flog it off to your mates…”

Chris Roberts adds: “Kevin, with all respect, the Conservatives virtually destroyed the NHS and caused utter chaos in the whole country, which is why you lost your job and your party lost the election so convincingly. So, with the same respect, you have no room to criticise anyone.”

The question of how best to support the NHS is constantly debated and not easily answered. 

For now, Steve Darling has assured us that he has raised concerns about Torbay Hospital with the Department of Health and will continue to press for the resources it desperately needs. 

Another prominent issue was Alison Hernandez, with Caroline Leaver, a panel member overseeing the Police and Crime Commissioner, calling for her resignation after the suspension of Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell. Clive Moloney and Michele Curtis expressed their support for such action, while Andrea Harries questioned the necessity of the Police and Crime Commissioner role altogether.

Hernandez has recently apologised after concerns were raised about the speed of her decision to appoint a deputy.

According to the BBC, Ms Hernandez said she "did not accept that [her] actions [had] brought the office into disrepute", but she did "offer a sincere apology to the panel if they [felt her] comments to the press were in any way discourteous".

Meanwhile, our article raising awareness about a passionate e-petition urging Torbay Council to reverse its decision to close hearing support units received significant attention on social media

Joanna O'Callaghan says: “Please support this by sharing, and if you have a TQ postcode please be a love and sign the petition. The council are planning on closing the hearing support centre at the kids school, which has been supporting pupils since 1964. This is vital for so many kids' well-being.”

Rod Morris adds: "Come on Torbay - you are better than this!”

Felicity Morris, secretary of St Margaret’s Academy’s PTA expressed her gratitude for the publicity: Thank you for sharing our story. For anyone reading, please share this - we need our councillors to take note!”

In other news, Jim Parker’s column raised questions about Factory Row in Torquay, which has developed a reputation for drink, drugs, and anti-social behaviour. Jim questioned whether Factory Row is the town’s problem or a potential solution. Opinions were divided. 

Graham Ellwood argues: 100% it's the problem. I have to deal with the anti-social behaviour that comes from there every single day from the minute I arrive at work. They are all out at 7am buying alcohol and fighting each other by 7.15.”

John Dot Doherty, however, counters: Footfall is the issue not factory row, we have had antisocial behaviour for hundreds of years, drive footfall and the problem will be diluted…..”

Sandy Shore weighed in on the Leonard Stocks Centre, stating: “I don’t know why you call the hostel ‘the elephant in the room’. It’s the exact opposite. The only ones ignoring it appear to be the council. Most residents are fed up with it and want it relocated at the very least. The hostel is the cause and not the solution. It’s a magnet for anti-social behaviour.”

Public opinion was equally divided on the recent news that most Devon MPs have backed the Assisted Dying Bill. While some expressed distrust in the policy, others commended the decision, with Stephen Macmillan stating, “Good for them.”

Finishing this week’s summary with some feedback on The Torbay Weekly’s new engagement initiatives, Bill Butcher writes: “Great idea to share readers ideas and opinions in the form of feedback. Thank you.”

Do you want to share your thoughts about any of our articles? Let us know at torbayweekly@clearskypublishing.co.uk.