Dave Thomas: 'My thanks to Torbay's 'storm' troopers

Firstly, I want to start by mentioning the awful storm damage that has hit the Bay over the last week or so. 

Torbay, along with the rest of South Devon, really took a battering during both Storm Ingrid and Storm Chandra, with wind and heavy rain doing their very worst.

People often ask why Torbay can sometimes feel as though it takes the brunt of certain storms while other areas seem less affected. 

Much of this comes down to the direction the weather comes from. Storms arriving from the easterly direction can drive wind and rain straight into the Bay rather than passing by offshore. 

The shape of the coastline and the surrounding hills can also concentrate that weather, making conditions feel stronger over a shorter period of time. That is why some storms pass with little impact, while others leave very visible damage along our seafront and in our communities.

I would like to once again thank staff from the Council, SWISCo and Tor Bay Harbours who have worked around the clock to clear up the damage caused by the storms. 

They have faced road closures, flooding, damage to walls, beach chalets, fences and bins, fallen branches and even a suspected unexploded bomb. 

It has been a huge task and they have tackled it in all weathers with real dedication.

It is also important to recognise the patience shown by residents, particularly those who observed road closures and delays while work was carried out to keep people safe. 

Please take care if we experience further storms and be assured that our teams will continue working hard to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

For up to date weather information, please keep an eye on Met Office updates, and for the latest on road closures and safety advice follow Devon and Cornwall Police. If you need to report fallen trees, debris, obstructions or flooding, you can do so by calling 01803 701310 or via the SWISCo website.

Times like these are a reminder of how important it is that people have the right support around them, whether in moments of disruption or when looking ahead to new opportunities. With that in mind, I would like to share some positive news about a new programme now available to residents in Torbay.

Connect to Work is a supported employment programme designed to help people with disabilities, health conditions or other complex barriers to employment move towards paid and sustainable work. It is free and voluntary to take part and offers personalised support to help people take confident steps towards the right job.

The programme also supports local employers by promoting more inclusive employment and helping to create flexible job opportunities that work for everyone. Funded by the UK Government, Connect to Work is being delivered across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay by the three local authorities, ensuring support reflects local priorities and reaches those who need it most.

I am delighted that Connect to Work is now available in Torbay. It represents a significant step forward in expanding our support for residents who want to move closer to work, while also strengthening our local economy. 

Locally, the programme is being delivered by Eat That Frog CIC in partnership with I Can Do That! CIC and will provide personalised, high quality support to help people find, keep and thrive in the right job for them.

The programme is expected to support more than 800 people in Torbay. It is open to residents aged 18 and over, or 16 and over in exceptional circumstances, who have a disability or health condition or who face barriers that make finding and keeping work more challenging. This includes care experienced young people and care leavers, people with caring responsibilities, those experiencing housing insecurity and others who may need extra support.

Participants will be supported by a specialist employment advisor who will work with them to understand their goals, offer one to one tailored support and help open direct conversations with potential employers. 

Ongoing in work support is also available for both employees and employers to help ensure long term success.

If you think you or someone you know might benefit from Connect to Work, you can find out more at www.torbay.gov.uk/connect-to-work.