Torbay Council uses emergency powers over unsafe Paignton building ahead of Airshow

Torbay Council says it is using emergency powers to address safety concerns at a building in Paignton town centre after no action was taken by the owners.

Engineers attended 62-70 Victoria Street on Sunday and again on Monday alongside contractors to assess the condition of the property and determine what work may be needed to protect public safety.

In a statement, the council said ensuring the building poses “no risk to public safety” remains its top priority.

The authority confirmed it had stepped in due to a lack of action from the building owners and said work would continue in the lead-up to this weekend’s English Riviera Airshow, when thousands of visitors are expected to travel into Paignton.

Council teams are also working to keep access to public transport services open during the busy event period.

People travelling into Paignton are being advised to use seafront routes where possible and to check for updates from public transport operators before setting off.

The taxi rank at Paignton Railway Station is currently inaccessible due to the situation, with alternative taxi ranks operating at both ends of Torbay Road.

Pedestrians are also being urged to follow the marked walkway when accessing bus and rail services in the area.

Torbay Council said further updates would be provided over the coming days as work continues.