Event bringing people together to enjoy new traffic-free Torbay Road

Meet, engage, learn, shop and enjoy Torbay Road, Paignton, this half-term.

That's the message from Torbay Council as it prepares for its first Thriving Spaces event.

Today (Thursday, October 27) between 10am and 2.30pm, residents and visitors are invited to spend time exploring Torbay Road, meeting local experts and testing their skills and knowledge when it comes to road safety.

YouTube and TikTok stars from Georges Car Media will be there with a Lotus Evora to talk about how they are engaging with drivers and car enthusiasts to make roads in the South West safer.

Emergency service partners including Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Devon Air Ambulance will also be there with a range of vehicles and interactive activities.

Cycle Torbay CIC will be offering free bicycle repairs as well as safety tips and advice on how cyclists of all ages and abilities can keep their bikes in tip-top condition.

There will also be a range of stands to find out more about recycling in Torbay, rewarding careers in the construction sector and the council's active travel plans.

Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, tourism and housing for Torbay Council, said: "We are pleased to be hosting our first Thriving Spaces event along Torbay Road in Paignton.

"The first event of its kind has been designed to bring people together to enjoy the newly pedestrianised space.

"We want as many people as possible to come along to support the event and local businesses and see for themselves how the space can be used now and in the future."

The event is free to attend with businesses along Torbay Road and nearby areas open for shopping and refreshments.

Anyone coming along to the event are encouraged to make use of public transport. Drivers are encouraged to use Victoria car park which can be easily accessed from Kernou Road via the Esplanade.

Paignton Town Centre Community Partnership has organised a selection of fairground rides to be in place along Torbay Road during half-term. The rides will be open daily until Sunday, October 30.

Community groups and organisations that are interesting in hosting events in Torbay Road are encouraged to submit their ideas to events@torbay.gov.uk