What the Torbay Weekly readers are saying

We’ve had a busy week of feedback, thanks to your thoughtful engagement with our recent headlines.

The most popular story this week was the announcement of a new multi-purpose, 1,200-capacity venue opening in central Torquay in late spring 2025. Readers were pleased to learn that Arena Torquay will cater to a variety of events for people of all ages. The venue is designed to host live gigs as well as family-friendly events like bingo.

Daisy Hut commented: “Wow now you're talking. Just want one for all us golden oldies as well. Plus a big venue for teens to hang out. Sorted.”

‘Top fan’ of Torbay Weekly’s Facebook page, Shuggs Lifeskills Jones, remarked: “About time there was more entertainment put back into the bay. It needs loads more of this. As a holiday destination, it needs the entertainment aspect put back in a big way. It's alright having loads of hotels, but you need the entertainment draw for the area. More amusements will attract more paying visitors and help with the bay's upkeep through revenue.”

Martin Wood added: "Hopefully will attract some top bands to the town.”

The Torbay Weekly was fortunate to be invited to see the venue during its refurbishment and can hint that it already looks like it will be a great new addition to the town.

Also popular this week was the news that global airline KLM will be offering direct flights to Amsterdam from Exeter Airport next March. People have already expressed their interest in booking a holiday to the Netherlands' capital, with John Fisher sharing: “I flew KLM from Bristol via Schiphol to Ecuador—great service and flight.”

Regarding the update that the former home of the Paignton Sea Anglers Association will be turned into homes for vulnerable young people, the Facebook page Humanity-Exposed/uk commented: “We think it's a smart, well-thought-out decision.”

In response to Jim Parker’s column encouraging residents to share their opinions on Torbay’s regeneration plans, Ashley Challis suggested: “There will come a time in the not-so-distant future when those who hold tightly to Cary Green for nostalgia purposes won’t be around. I’m 40 and have never understood the sentiment towards that area. It feels a little run down now that the fountains aren’t in operation, and it is mainly used as a walkthrough. I just don’t understand the attachment.”

However, Richard Scott countered: “What’s there not to understand? It’s not about nostalgia; it’s about having a nice, usable space for families. And because it’s been neglected and run down, we should do what? Tarmac it? Get rid of it? No, we should restore it to a usable space for people to enjoy and as a nice setting for the Pavilion when that’s restored. Very simple—not sure what nostalgia you think a bunch of old people are clinging to!”

Another ‘Top Fan,’ Louise Jones, responded to our last ‘What You’re Saying’ article with an overview of her thoughts on underlying issues: “It seems to me in Torquay, no party is ever in post long enough to make change. The politics are small-town politics, arguing over the last blade of grass. A lot of well-meaning individuals are paid peanuts and have little idea of what they’re doing (big picture). There is awful communication between the local MP and the council and its electorate. Empty building after empty building with no plan (or perhaps a plan that isn’t communicated). A demographic that expects everything and pays nothing. Tourists who want everything and a council providing nothing. So we continue to argue and bicker, and nothing is ever achieved.”

Looking ahead, Bill Butcher responded to the news that Torre Abbey Christmas market is at risk of being a one-off with an intriguing suggestion: “Perhaps a questionnaire could be put out to ask people what kind of stalls they would like to see. Be assured, I am in no way dissing any of the traders who went. I realise that a lot of their craft products take time and money to produce, and they are trying to make a living, but are people interested in them?”

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