What Torbay Today's readers said on Facebook

Local government reorganisation occupied much discussion last week, with readers voicing their opinions on Torbay Weekly’s Facebook. 

The conversation covers everything from parking fines and Torbay’s role in the council shake-up to the much-anticipated return of the Bay of Lights. Here’s what you had to say...

Parking fines 

The revelation that parking fines generate £1 million annually for Torbay Council sparked a strong response.

Mike Bailey asked: “So what happens to the million pounds?”

Safe, Sustainable Travel Torbay suggested: “Unpopular opinion: drivers pay to lease land to store their private property in built-up areas. This generates revenue to maintain roads and car parks, pay parking wardens and repair damage caused by drivers.”

Alison Lofthouse Harwood Nicholas added: “Many of us have been fined for not parking precisely within the marked bays on Paignton seafront, but those bays are too small for an average-sized car.”

However, Simon Lee disagreed: “Strange. Most of us manage to park our average and larger cars in them without an issue.”

Andrew Hoyle said: “Parking wardens seem to know the best times and places to issue fines to maximise revenue, yet they avoid others. Ideal hotspots in Torbay include the harbour and seafront after 6pm, as well as Paignton seafront in the evenings. The main problem is that parking rules and fees vary between different areas, leaving drivers confused. We need consistency.”

John Dot Doherty said: “It’s so sad that Torbay’s parking policies have been a major contributor to the decline of our town centres. The council is well aware of the footfall issues, yet they don’t seem to care how many small businesses go to the wall...”

Jaiden Jimenez raised concerns about a specific car park: “Off topic a bit, but the pictured car park needs to go. That overpass is an absolute no-go; the stairs stink of urine, and it's never full. Get rid of it and build flats instead — Market Street car park is just across the road and much nicer.”

The road not taken

Cllr Nick Bye’s column exploring the best way forward for Torbay in light of upcoming local government reorganisation sparked debate.

Sarah Angela said: “Having read the article, I agree with the last option: to have overlapping health authorities is a nightmare. We had this in West Berkshire, and although we got used to it, it didn’t make for great joint working. 

“I know we should try to come to meetings and events like the one at the Princess Theatre, but besides needing to clear time in your day, it’s hard to really know what impact your small voice will have, especially if Westminster has already decided the outcome. If this is such a big change, then where is the advertising? Apathy often wins, at times myself included.”

Sy Fly was sceptical of political leadership: “I suggest Nick Bye properly appreciates last year’s survey results, which found that only five per cent of people trust politicians in the UK. Pray tell, Nick, who are you to tell us what to do when 95 per cent of the population doesn’t trust those in power? Politicians have consistently failed us, regardless of which party colours they wear."

Jo Rice questioned the potential motives behind merging with other districts: “Certainly the option that involves Torbay merging with other districts to make a larger authority serves the Conservative Party the most. The 'do nothing approach' seems to be favoured by the current regime, as their silence shouts volumes. 

“Nick Bye coming out and actually saying this confirms my suspicions. Rolling over and letting the Labour government dictate what happens in Torbay seems to be their policy. Losing our integrated health and social care system and our Torbay identity would be incredibly damaging to tourism in the Bay. 

“Does anyone believe a larger authority would fund the Bay of Lights or airshow? We could easily see the administrative capital of a combined region established in Newton Abbot, resulting in Torquay Town Hall housing a mere town council responsible for grass cutting and dog poo bins. 

“Other small unitaries around the country are actively speaking up against the government's plans now to preserve their structure and save residents money. Plymouth is literally ripping up the 500,000 target and dictating what it wants. Exeter is also championing its own interests. Funding town councils is not cheap, and we would need two of them. We heard on Tuesday that we would see council tax bills rise to take on the debt of other councils too. Torbay needs to have a collective loud voice.”

Torbay special case?

A local democracy report said that a recent survey of 150 attendees at a local government meeting suggested that most residents want Torbay Council to stay as it is, but opinions remain divided.

Andrew Hoyle said: “This debate ultimately comes down to people’s resistance to change. Each option needs to be explored, documented and a case put forward. The best option is to put it back as it was before the split. This would remove quite a few duplications and bring economies of scale.”

Kelly Joanna was unconvinced by the arguments to maintain Torbay’s independence: “I'm sure a lot of authorities want to be left alone, but there's no reason why Torbay are so special that they don't have to do what other authorities have to do.”

Barbara Vond highlighted disparities in the area: “What identity? Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham are completely different from each other. Years ago, Brixham was better off with its own council under Devon County Council. Now, everything goes to Torquay while Paignton is neglected, and Brixham has to look after itself. There’s no new infrastructure — just extra car parks.”

Catharine Gold questioned the significance of the meeting’s outcome: “A self-selecting group of 150 people — just over 0.1% of Torbay’s population — voted to keep things as they are. That’s hardly an overwhelming mandate. [By “self-selecting”, I mean people who both knew about the meeting and were able to, or decided to, attend it. I went, and the audience certainly wasn’t representative of Torbay as a whole.”

Jo Rice warned of potential consequences: “Torbay would become obsolete under Labour plans. We need to fight to keep our identity and our budget. The last thing we need is a hike in council tax to take on the debts of the other authorities and to lose our integrated health and social care system. We need a council that is championing the people of Torbay and keeping our existing unitary status. Even if we grew slightly to cover the South Devon and Healthcare Trust footprint, that would at least enable us to keep the Integrated Care Organisation.”

Return of the  Lights

In more positive news, dates have been announced for the 2025 Bay of Lights, with promises of an even bigger and brighter event following the success of 2024.

Jo Stubbs said: “This was amazing last year; I am so happy it is coming back again.”

Kathy Hughes hoped for better conditions: “So pleased; let's hope for better weather this year. It was still a great event even though some things were rained off.”

Cllr Martin Brook praised the illumination trail: “What a brilliant event… and the illumination trail link to Torquay Harbour and Torre Abbey was simply marvellous.”

Alfie Fayer acknowledged those who made it possible: “It was fantastic the council police and the amazing wardens did their best to make it so. Remember it didn’t cost you anything.”