Jim Parker: Now is the time (again) to get on with it and stop all the moaning

It was great to see another success story and regeneration project come to life on Paignton seafront.
The Ibis Hotel opened its doors right next door to its 'sister' the Mercure - two of the branded hotels brought to the Bay by Singapore billionaire businessman and developer James Koah and his Fragrance Group.
A third at the former Corbyn Head on Torquay seafront is taking shape and should be open early next year to complete a hat-trick of Fragrance hotels in a massive £140million investment package for the Bay.
Now I appreciate controversy currently surrounds Mr Koah's plans for the once Palace Hotel site in Torquay, where he is trying to swap a planned luxury, five-star spa resort for homes due to market conditions.
But, just for the moment at least, let's celebrate the hotel developments and the jobs and extra tourism offer oomph they have brought to the English Riviera.
The hotel bosses, under the guardianship of well-known general manager Jason Parry, know that an important part of the strategic future will be to win over the locals to make sure their trade spans all-year round. Jason is just the man for the job.
The Dellers Cafe touch at the Ibis, reflecting the glory days when the old Dellers once graced the town, is part of that recognition that these hotels are for Paignton and the Bay and the people who live here and not just the visitors.
What is frustrating, to put it mildly, is that it would appear that with all this regeneration work going on around us - and there are loads more to come - the moaners and groaners abound even with new and 21st century businesses like these.
Torbay Council and its private sector partners have more than £200million to spend on changing the look and future of the Bay over the next few years and, in some cases, few months.
That will include major schemes in our town centres, especially Torquay and Paignton, to breathe new life into the high street.
In Torquay that work has finally started, with improvements to The Strand and Torquay harbour area to end up with a 'piazza' feel to the area and the ultimate demolition of the old Debenhams building to make way for an apartments and food and drink development.
Already I am getting 'what's the point?', 'what a waste of money' and 'digging up pavements, is that all they can do?' in my lughole.
I am glad I am not alone in my frustration.
I spotted these comments from influential local Independent councillor Darren Cowell on social media the other day: “Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that so many people criticise our home towns of Paignton, Torquay and to a lesser extent Brixham, but the moment investment and regeneration comes along, they are quick to criticise and complain about it.
“So many of the projects that are progressing have been in the public domain for several years, many forming part of our Neighbourhoods Plans that were subjected to extensive public consultation and a 2019 referendum.
“Have all of these schemes just come to the attention of some of those who are critical?
“Where were they during the earlier consultation stages? Beggars belief - it truly does!"
Blooming well said, Darren, putting that mildly as well!
It doesn't help either when you see pointless, so-called surveys, given a click-bait showing on some websites.
The latest evidently called on the British public to name the top 20 towns that are depressing to live in. Top was Falmouth - yep Falmouth, one of Cornwall's gems.
Paignton was ninth in the top 20, with Torquay coming in at number 15 and Teignmouth one behind at 16. Blackpool was 17th, by the way.
Probably not worth getting too miffed about except for the fact this story went out to an audience in the Midlands - a prime target area for tourism officials and businesses when trying to lure visitors to the Bay.
A few years ago I launched a Now is the Time campaign which encouraged people to celebrate what we have and get on with what we are trying to do, respecting the views of the vocal minority but trying to persuade the silent majority to speak up. I can feel another campaign coming on
What are the options? Try and deliver a new future or do nothing. Now that would be depressing!