Torbay residents see improvements in neighbourhoods as part of Operation Brighter Bay

When we launched Operation Brighter Bay, our ambition was straightforward. We wanted residents to see improvements in their everyday lives, not just in town centres and along our seafronts, but in the streets and public spaces closest to home. That is why I was delighted by Torbay’s success at the recent South West in Bloom Awards.

Brixham, Paignton, Torquay and Babbacombe all achieved Gold awards, recognising the care given to our parks, gardens and green spaces. Brixham also received the Portman Cup, Paignton the Tesco Cup and Babbacombe the Abbiss Cup. These are fantastic achievements, and everyone involved deserves our congratulations. They are also a welcome reminder of just how much care and commitment exists in every corner of our Bay.

The awards are about much more than colourful flower beds. They recognise the pride people take in their communities and the contribution made by volunteers, community groups, businesses and frontline teams throughout the year.

Across Torbay, people give up their own time to plant flowers, collect litter and look after shared spaces. They rarely seek recognition, but their efforts make an enormous difference. I also want to thank our teams at SWISCo and Torbay Council, who work in all weathers to maintain the places we enjoy.

Of course, while awards are worth celebrating, I know residents also want to see improvements on their own doorsteps.

Earlier this year, we heard a clear message from people across the Bay. They welcomed work in our town centres and visitor areas, but wanted greater attention given to the residential streets where they live. I think that is an entirely reasonable expectation.

Whether you live in Brixham, Paignton or Torquay, you should be able to take pride in your surroundings. You should expect clean streets, well-maintained parks and public spaces that are properly cared for.

We listened, and that feedback helped shape the next phase of Operation Brighter Bay, with a stronger focus on our neighbourhoods.

Over recent months, teams have been tackling weeds, removing graffiti, improving street cleansing, cutting back overgrown areas and carrying out highway repairs. We have also seen road markings refreshed, including near schools, where clear markings help keep people safe.

A cleared pavement or freshly painted road marking might not make the headlines. But taken together, these jobs make a noticeable difference to how a neighbourhood looks and feels. That is exactly what Operation Brighter Bay is intended to achieve.

I appreciate that some residents will be reading this and thinking they have not yet seen the improvements they want in their street. I understand that frustration. I would never suggest everything is perfect or that the job is finished. There is still plenty to do, and we will keep listening to residents about where our efforts are needed most.

Our programme covers the whole Bay. We cannot be everywhere at once, but work is continuing across our communities. If your area has not yet benefited, please be assured it has not been forgotten.

One thing I have particularly enjoyed is seeing regular updates introducing the people behind the work. From road marking crews to street cleansing teams and those maintaining our parks, these are the people making a practical difference every day. Their efforts deserve recognition, too.

As we move further into November and towards winter, that work becomes even more important. Fallen leaves, heavy rain and strong winds bring particular challenges to a coastal area like ours. Our teams will continue clearing debris, responding to storm damage and looking after public spaces through the colder months.

There are simple ways we can all help. Securing recycling properly, using litter bins and disposing of rubbish responsibly can prevent waste being blown around our streets in bad weather. Small actions, multiplied across thousands of households, really do matter.

For me, the success of Operation Brighter Bay will never be measured simply by the number of awards we win, welcome though they are. It will be measured by whether residents notice a difference when they step outside their front doors, walk through their neighbourhoods or visit their local parks.

The South West in Bloom results show what is possible when the Council, our teams, local businesses, volunteers and residents work together. They also remind us that community pride is something we build through consistent effort, not just on the day the judges visit.

We have every reason to be proud of Torbay. By listening to residents, supporting those who care for our shared spaces and keeping up the practical work, we can make it an even better place to live, work and visit.

That is our commitment through Operation Brighter Bay, and it is one we intend to keep delivering.