What our readers are saying

Tragedy abroad

Torbay Weekly readers responded to many of  our stories this week, sparking meaningful discussions on a wide range of topics—both positive and negative.

Responding to the news that a Paignton family is demanding answers after a husband and father died from norovirus after a cruise, Sarah Angela said: “People are getting older now when going on cruises. I’m not sure the nursing/medical provision is equipped to manage these situations. It’s tricky, and this is a very sad case.” 

Louise Cousins shared a message of support for the family: “Sorry for your loss; it must be very distressing for you. I hope you get the outcome you are seeking. One day at a time…”

Policing costs

The decision by the police panel to increase council tax by £13.70 per household for policing next year did not sit well with everyone. 

Peter Manning questioned: “Is that to cover the cost of paying three chief constables' wages? No one has asked the public if they want to pay more.” 

Louise Jones added: “Funny how law-abiding citizens have to pay for criminals. What clawback from the criminals will there be?” 

Clive Moloney echoed the frustration, demanding to know of the crime commissioner: “Why are we paying for Hernandez’s ineptitude?” 

However, Steve Knowles offered a different perspective: “Many people have asked for more policing, extra police on the street. Are they supposed to work for nothing?”

Revamp welcomed

The £750,000 investment in Brixham harbourside was met with optimism.

 Jane Moore described it as “good news” while Norman Rogers hoped “some of it goes towards removing all the wrecks lying around”.

Arena in spotlight

The most popular headline last week was the announcement that tickets are now available for events at Arena Torquay, a new 1,200-capacity venue set to open on Torwood Street this spring. 

Joshua Carter expressed doubt about the venue’s ability to fill its capacity, remarking: “A 1,200-capacity venue will be a challenge to fill, especially with The Foundry already established and some big artists calling it their favourite venue in the UK. 

“It’s going to take work, but I wish them all the best.” 

Tom Chapman, however, saw potential: “Competition will benefit everyone. Hopefully, bigger and better acts will come to the Bay and revive the thriving music scene.”

Some readers were confused by the artist’s impression (AI) of Arena Torquay, questioning whether the Indian restaurant East in the West would be closing. To our knowledge, there are no plans for its closure — the AI rendering represents that the floor above the restaurant will house Arena Torquay.

Reflecting on the building’s history, Susan Sercombe shared: “Many moons ago, my father took his cars to Perry’s Garage, which had petrol pumps outside. There was hardly any traffic in those days. How times have changed.” 

Sharon Rawlins added: “Good to see this once-great place being used again!”

Homes on agenda

Torbay Council’s decision to reject a controversial plan to build 28 new homes on the site of 17th-century farm buildings near Brixham received mixed reactions. 

Dan Thornton supported the rejection but raised concerns about another development: “It’s good this has been stopped but Pilgrim’s Close getting the nod isn’t great. The site of the old dairy could still serve the town as a functioning dairy. Imagine Brixham being served by its own milk, yoghurt and cheese — what that would do for the town’s profile, community ties and tourism appeal.” 

Steve Knowles responded: “Prices are the problem. A local dairy would need to charge much more than supermarkets and many people, not by choice, prioritise price over quality or community.”

Discussing the wider housing issue, Matthew Collins remarked: “There’s no shortage of housing in Brixham — what’s in short supply is affordable housing. Why do we have empty homes used for holiday lets while some people can only afford to live in mobile homes on holiday parks? I haven’t seen the plans, but I’m guessing this isn’t a social housing development.”

According to the proposal, six of the 28 homes would have been classed as “affordable”.

Rehan ‘the best’

Meanwhile, the news that Rehan Uddin’s India-Yang restaurant had been listed in the National British Curry Guide 2025 received high praise. 

Brooke Coulter commented: “Not surprising at all. Best Asian food in the Bay, easily — and so conscious of allergens too!”

Vote of approval 

Councillor George Darling welcomed the announcement that May’s elections will go ahead as planned, stating: “Absolutely the right decision. Devon and Cornwall can't agree on a cross county strategic authority. Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay all seem to have different ideas on what local government reorganisation would look like, and Devon County Council and the district councils are at loggerheads. 

“Fast-tracking this would have been a recipe for disaster; hopefully now there is time for consideration and a joined-up approach."

Cycling dangers

A report that sparked debate was the news of a cyclist’s death following a collision in Paignton.

Peter Stones shared his experience: “Cycling is just too dangerous. I stopped cycling a few years ago after being knocked off my bike by blind, careless motorists several times, followed by ambulance rides to the hospital. 

“I have done almost 6,000 skydives over the last 50 years and had fewer and less serious injuries skydiving. At 78 I still skydive but no longer cycle.”

Terry Court added: “This is not as surprising as you would think. There are speeding motorists in Preston every day and night. I live on the next road, Laura Grove, and local residents speed up these roads at 40 to 50mph all the time. We have grandchildren and pets, but these ignorant morons don't seem to care for anyone's safety. Is there anyone out there that can do something to slow these idiots down? It's a racetrack everywhere.”

Dumpling reprieved

Finally, another big headline last week was the decision to allow Torquay’s beloved community pub, the Devon Dumpling, to keep its licence — though some things must change. Many celebrated the news.

James Rivington said: “So many local pubs have lost their livelihood through absolutely nasty people moving near a thriving business and bleating to the council about noise. I would have no hesitation in removing them.”

Jane Moore, however, countered: “If there were noise complaints, they should also be addressed — a compromise should be reached.”

Gloria Gregory reflected: “It was always a great pub, economically priced and home-cooked, which appealed to the locals. Always busy every night. But then it tried to go upmarket with pricey food. Maybe go back to basics and get a home cook chef.”