Steve Darling: Some of the local businesses that need your support

With Parliament in recess for Easter, I’ve had the pleasure of spending last week enjoying the spring sunshine right here in Torbay. 

This break has been a wonderful opportunity to catch-up in person with my constituency staff team, hold important meetings with organisations like South West Water, and visit some of the fantastic community events happening across our beautiful bay.

One of the highlights of the week has been Torbay’s Holiday Activities and Food programme, which is in full swing, providing children and carers with exciting activities and much-needed support during the holidays. Touring the Bay, I visited a range of HAF-funded events that are bringing joy and enrichment to young people in our community.

Early in the week, I stopped by Libraries Unlimited, a fantastic initiative ensuring children can access books, creative sessions, and learning opportunities. 

Later, I visited Shear Soccer at Torbay Leisure Centre, where young footballers enjoyed free holiday coaching—an excellent way to keep active and build confidence. 

Toward the end of the week, I stopped by Turning Heads in Torquay, where children took part in beach crafts, art activities, and games—all designed to inspire creativity and connection with nature. 

I rounded off my visits at the Acorn Centre, where young people enjoyed sports coaching, arts and crafts, and a welcoming environment for making memories.

Huge thanks to everyone who makes the HAF programme possible. These initiatives give every child the chance to learn, play, and stay active, regardless of their circumstances. Supporting young people with enriching experiences and nutritious meals is a priority, and I’m proud to see the programme making a real difference in Torbay.

Last week also brought mixed news for Paignton’s Post Offices. 

First, we received some welcome news regarding Paignton’s Town Centre Post Office branch—it will not be closing. 

Last year, the branch was identified among several across England facing potential closure, sparking real concern within our community. 

As a vital local service, its loss would have significantly affected residents who rely on it. Determined to stop this, I launched a campaign to protect our Post Office, which included a petition urging decision-makers to reconsider the closure and lobbying of Post Office executives and Government ministers. Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign—your voices made a difference.

While the Post Office will stay open, it will transition to a franchised model—a shift that raises important concerns. 

I have now written to the Post Office requesting assurances that these changes won’t disrupt services or impact staff. Transparency and accountability will be key as we monitor developments.

Unfortunately, Goodrington Post Office will close on April 19, with little consultation or time for local residents and businesses to prepare. 

The Post Office has also decided not to replace the branch, which is unacceptable. I will be writing to Post Office executives and Government ministers, demanding answers and pushing for greater accountability. Our community deserves a say when vital local services are taken away.

Finally, I want to highlight the ‘Buy Torbay, Back Britain’ campaign, which I recently launched to support local businesses. 

Many of our shops and producers are facing extra challenges due to new tariffs announced by Donald Trump. If you can, I encourage you to support local businesses—whether it’s shopping at Roots Greengrocers, picking up meat from Palks Butchers, or dining at an independent restaurant. Your support makes a real difference.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful Easter! As always, if I can help, please email: steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk or phone: 07908 349347.