What Torbay Today's readers are saying

Peace at Town Hall

Torbay has recently seen a flurry of local developments, from council peace talks and community projects to housing concerns and a significant government funding boost. While some changes have been met with optimism, others have sparked debate and criticism. Here’s a closer look at what people have been saying on Torbay Weekly’s Facebook.

Some people remained sceptical 

about the news that feuding Torbay councillors have agreed to set aside their differences to protect the council’s reputation and prioritise the needs of Torbay residents.

Sarah Angela questioned: “Shouldn’t it be the first duty of any council to put its people first—improving towns and enhancing lives—rather than engaging in all the political ‘claptrap’ that is so self-destructive?”

However, Councillor Cowell said: “The efforts of everyone involved cannot be underestimated, including all members and many officers.

“Obviously, non-elected residents may not be fully aware of this, but we will not be swayed by naysayers. There is now a significantly improved relationship across the Chamber, and a great deal of productive cross-party work is being done.”

Responding to guest columnist Councillor Bye’s article about the new peace agreement, Beth Huntley said: “This does sound sensible, and the agreement should have a positive impact moving forward. However, I still believe we need improvements in Torbay’s democratic process, including:

• Community members on the Overview and Scrutiny Board(s).
• A clear call-in process for Overview and Scrutiny.
• The reinstatement of committees that were taken ‘underground’ and turned into ‘cabinet working parties’—which lack transparency.”

Peter Blackler added: “Well said, Nick.”

Pioneer priest

News of the recent appointment of pioneering Paignton priest Rev Laura McAdam was well received.

Councillor Cat Johns said: “I spoke to Rev Laura McAdam, along with Joanna from Torbay Community Builders and councillor Maggi Pauline Douglas-Dunbar, last Wednesday. We discussed how Paignton councillors can help support the Paignton community through initiatives like ‘The Haven’ and ‘Thrive.’ I can see that Laura will be a great asset to Paignton—so watch this space!”

£3 million hotel boost

Our front-page story last week about Majestic Tours boss Mark Wright winning a nearly three-year battle with planners to turn the former Gentings Casino into a luxury apart-hotel complex generated significant online discussion—mostly positive.

June Pierce said: “Common sense has prevailed, and a good development can finally go ahead.”

Sandy Shore said: “Well done! It should never have been refused in the first place.”

RD RD said: “Great news. It’s been derelict for far too long.”

Sarah Angela said: “At least it’s not a monstrosity like the replacement for Corbyn Head.”

Policing survey

Chief Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez’s column about her plans to implement local feedback sparked a range of responses.

Sarah Angela was among several people to highlight concerns about unauthorised cars parking on Fleet Street, saying: “Unauthorised cars off Fleet Street, please—for starters. It was very blatant yesterday.”

Mark Putt was more critical, saying: “You shouldn’t need feedback if you know how to do your job correctly.”

However, Charles Standford offered a different perspective, countering: “Feedback isn’t about telling someone how to do their job. It’s about involving the public and local community—asking what they think, what they’d like done, or in some cases, what they don’t want done.”

Social housing uncertainty

Some residents were disappointed to learn that while Brampton Court has officially been granted planning permission as part of Torbay’s Hotels to Homes scheme, the approval is for market-rate homes—meaning the development may not include any affordable housing.

Sarah Angela said: “Newbury in West Berks has done well with its brown field housing development. Yes, smallish dwellings, but all near the town centre with social housing and the market-priced housing a little out of town. Of course, there is the usual thing about building the estates as you move further away into semi-rural areas. Come on, Torbay, get your act together. You hear of a lot of “off-piste “ planning decisions, so why are we surprised when schemes change at the last minute?”

Artistic improvements

Responding to the news that Torquay’s Ellacombe is the focus of a new artistic history project, David Watkins suggested: How about the school creating a mural to cover the ugly graffiti opposite in the old advertising hoarding. Good idea?”

Councillor Atiya-alla replied: “The council are currently in the process of speaking with the owner of the wall. I will email you when I have an update.”

Directing feedback 

The news that Torquay will receive a £20 million boost from the government aimed at bringing meaningful change to local communities was met with uncertainty.

Andrew Hoyle said: “From the various posts from different people, I would say that even though a list of projects were put forward in the application, it appears that the money can be used for anything in Torquay. This is going to be wasted.”

Nick Brown said: “Perhaps some money will be put towards cleaning up the ring road.”

David Owen added: “I hope it’s spent wisely.”

However Charles Standford added: “Every councillor has an email. Torbay Council has a website with "Contact us". Torbay Council has meetings open to the public. Many wards within Torbay have "Community Builders". They also have regular community meetings.

Instead of the constant moaning and speculating, why not comment on the correct platforms, contact the correct people or go and attend the meetings?

“I've never understood the moaning on Facebook when there are channels open to make a suggestion, complaint or observation, both before and after an announcement or project commencement or completion.”

International visit: A necessary diplomacy?

Torbay MP Steve Darling’s latest column focused on his recent and moving visit to Kyiv, Ukraine.

Martin Toomey questioned the necessity of the trip, asking: “Why does a local MP need to visit another country? Did you pay for it personally, or was it at the taxpayer’s expense? MPs should have limited expenses. And what about net zero? What was your carbon footprint for this trip?”

However, Stephen Macmillan countered: “Given that MPs may well be called upon to vote on some major decisions regarding the level of the UK's support of Ukraine, it is probably a good idea for at least some MPs to have first hand knowledge of the country and to have spoken with officials there.

“Additionally, many MPs will have Ukrainian nationals in their constituencies, so visiting the country might, in some senses, assist them in building good community relations and mutual support within their constituencies. It is not unusual for the members of legislative assemblies in democracies to visit one another's countries and to build relationships with their counterparts in those countries.

“So, on the whole, it is probably a productive and sensible use of an MP's time and budget. Additionally, such visits no doubt boost the morale of people in a country. Knowing that members of parliament are prepared to place themselves under additional risk by travelling there may help those they meet to feel less alone in their struggles against the brutality of an aggressive invasion.

“All in all, I would suggest that such visits are very productive and positive. Certainly they are much more positive than, for example, sitting at a keyboard in the UK trying to undermine and cast doubt on such work.”