What the Torbay Today readers are saying

The end of January is in sight, and with it comes the promise of longer days, warmer weather, and an absence of Blue Mondays.

This week, our readers shared their views on a wide range of stories and topics, from local politics and NHS funding to cherished memories of Torquay United.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, faced further backlash following the resignation of former Bay councillor Mark Kingscote as Deputy Crime Commissioner, just five months after his controversial appointment.

Facebook users were quick to note that the police and crime panel, which scrutinises Hernandez’s work, had not supported Mr Kingscote’s appointment during the confirmation hearing in July.

Robert Lovell commented: “I believe she has lost the confidence of the committee members, possibly police officers who are rightly saying nothing publicly as this complete mess still hasn’t been dealt with.”

Margaret Forbes-Hamilton added: “The board was correct in not agreeing with his appointment. The fact that she overruled them, and now he's resigned, needs to be taken to the highest authority.”

As always, the issue of government funding for Torbay sparked further discussion. In response to a headline reporting that Torbay Hospital is under “severe pressure,” Steve Knowles shared his thoughts:

“The NHS has not been fit for purpose for decades. It's an ailing 75-year-old institution that's needed top-to-bottom rethinking for many years.

“More community hospitals are needed. The previous ones were closed due to staff shortages. Immigration fills many positions within the NHS, but then people complain about too much immigration. It’s a difficult, complex situation that needs addressing with help from all corners.”

Reacting to a report that Steve Darling is urging the government to ensure fair SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) funding for Torbay schools, Jo Rice commended his efforts:

“SEND is in crisis in Devon. So many parents can't get their children school places, and schools just can't seem to cater to the additional needs of children. Raising awareness of this and bringing it to the attention of the government is good for parents who care and worry for their children.

“There needs to be more money for schools and EHCPs (Education, Health, and Care Plans) in good time. Parents shouldn't have to go to judicial review to educate their children! Well done, Steve. Fourteen years of Tory neglect will take time to unpick, but this is an important start.”

Louise Hourigan also praised Mr Darling, writing beneath his column that his “hard work” over the past six months has been a “refreshing change.”

Elsewhere, readers took a nostalgic trip down memory lane to celebrate the golden anniversary of a legendary home match tie between Torquay United and Spurs.

Kevin Coughlan reminisced: “A very memorable time. Sitting on my dad's shoulders in the huge crush on the popular side before spending the second half sitting by the blue ‘invalid carriages,’ as they were called, at the Babbacombe End. The police rightly judged that we youngsters would be safer there. So I had a very good view of Stubbs' goals and didn’t have far to run on to the pitch at the final whistle!”

Grenville Yeo reflected on the excitement: “Two very late goals from outside the area from Robin Stubbs—amazing. Then Tommy Northcott just missed from close in during the dying seconds! How did we get 20,000 in there? Never forgotten!”

Raymond Frank Tucker summarised: “Great game and memories…

In one of our biggest stories of the week, the announcement that the first phase of work to restore Paignton’s iconic Oldway Mansions is underway was met with both applause and scepticism.

Norma Jenkins shared her excitement: “This is excellent news. I visited in the nineties when it was an actual sewing machine museum, and it was amazing. Nowadays, it would serve as an educational visit for schools and tourism if they reinstated this.”

Linda Hood added: “It would be nice to have it back for wedding venues again. I hope it’s restored to its original state. Beautiful entrance.”

However, some readers questioned the £54million price tag for the project. 

Joanne Harding commented: “While I appreciate that it’s now being fixed, I’m not sure if it would have been better to sell it to a developer. Devon desperately needs money for roads, schools, accommodation, and rejuvenation of town centres. Is the council spending our money wisely?”

It’s worth noting that the estimated total cost of the restoration scheme is £54 million, with more than £9 million allocated for this first phase.

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