What the Torbay Today readers are saying

As we move further into 2025, plans and changes across Torbay and Devon are beginning to take a more definite shape.

With news of demolitions and redevelopment, potential pub closures, and significant business investments, local opinion remains divided between pessimism and optimism for the year ahead.

During the first week of January, residents welcomed the news that police had taken action against a gang of anti-social youths on bikes in Torquay. However, some felt the measures taken were not enough. Louise Jones commented: “There’s a bunch travelling around the town on e-bikes on the rear wheel at speed. I’d like to see them stopped.” Alan Bailey also urged police to seize more bikes from the group in question.

Locals voiced concerns about the recent closure of the Victoria multi-storey car park in Paignton, which is part of a multi-million-pound regeneration project for the town. Daisy Hut shared her thoughts on Paignton’s parking challenges, stating: “Even with both multi-storey car parks up and running, there has never been enough parking in Paignton. This has led to gridlock and disruption not only to businesses and deliveries etc, but also to the vital bus service in Torbay and beyond. Paignton can’t afford to lose Victoria car park until at least one new multi-storied car park is built. It’s just not good enough building out-of-town stores which cause more traffic rather than less.”

Looking ahead, Shuggs Lifeskills Jones offered suggestions for the site’s future: “A whole new retail park there of 5-6 units like Wren Park would suit that place fine.”

Meanwhile, the announcement that Torquay’s leading housebuilder, Cavanna Homes, had secured a £30 million expansion boost sparked mixed reactions.

Cassandra Pressling welcomed the news, saying: “Good news as this creates more skilled jobs for the area, which are much needed.”

Others, however, raised concerns about the implications of the expansion, particularly regarding infrastructure and affordability. Jo Carpenter questioned: “So will they be making bigger hospitals, more GP surgeries, more schools? It’s all very well hitting a target, but they never put the infrastructure in to be able to cope!” Mary Mcnaboe Hindle added: “Can local people afford any of these?”

For more information about Cavanna Homes and their properties, visit their website: https://www.cavannahomes.co.uk/.

An article that caused a significant stir addressed the growing anger in Paignton over plans to demolish the Inn on The Green pub and replace it with a car park.

Gillian Speke said: “A BEAUTIFUL set of historic Victorian looking buildings in keeping with the look along the sea-front. They should be restored as worthy examples of built to last valued architecture.”

Chris Jones added: “The council should be stopped. It has a history in Paignton, built for Isaac Singer's son.”

However, acknowledging Paignton’s parking concerns, David Watkins mused: “Parking is terrible around there and the seafront car park is often full in high season. Coupled with the demolition of the multi-storey, this makes complete sense.”

In other news, a popular article paid tribute to 94-year-old Don Roberts, who has dedicated over 70 years of his life to bell-ringing in Devon.

Brendon Prince shared his admiration: “Don is one of planet earth’s true legends. Bell-ringing is just one of his amazing qualities. This man should have a king’s honour!” Torquay Royal British Legion echoed the sentiment: “This is so lovely to hear. Congratulations Don.” Neil Drew summed it up simply: “Brilliant. Just brilliant.

A widely discussed local issue, thoroughly reported on by our editor Jim Parker, is the potential closure of the iconic community pub, the Devon Dumpling.

Having been at the heart of the community in Shiphay, Torquay, for over 100 years, the pub is now facing a licensing review after noise complaints from neighbours.

Defending the council’s position on the licensing review, Jane Moore said: “If neighbours are making complaints to the council, perhaps the pub should be talking to those making them and come to a compromise. Don’t blame the council, as once they receive complaints, they have to act.”

Sandy Shore commented: “Perhaps the most vociferous recent neighbour should sue his own solicitor—fancy not pointing out the local pub nearby. Long live the Devon Dumpling.”

Stephen Wilbraham summarised: “It’s a great pub; it would be very sad if it gets shut down.”

Currently, a Save The Devon Dumpling petition has secured almost 5,000 signatures within a few weeks: https://www.change.org/p/save-the-devon-dumpling 

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