Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition below:
Number 32 Link Restored
It was an early start before heading to parliament last week so I could join bus campaigner Rosemary Shaw in welcoming the newly restored No. 32 bus service linking Shiphay with the Willows.
This is a fantastic victory for community spirit in Shiphay and neighbouring areas as over 1,000 residents and bus users supported the campaign online by signing the petition.
I would also like to thank Stagecoach for listening to the strength of local community feeling about this issue and reinstating what is a vital link for many residents.
£13.3m Tonic For Torbay NHS
It was great news for our bay when the Government confirmed a £13.3m funding package for our Urgent and Emergency Care Services.
This investment will create a new Emergency Department (A&E) at Torbay Hospital, transforming the delivery of care for both patients and staff. Ahead of the funding announcement I met Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to discuss what these improvements would mean for patients and staff.
Our local NHS staff worked hard throughout winter to provide the life-saving services local people depend on. This funding news is a welcome sign of such commitment being recognised by giving them the facilities they need to deliver 21st century medicine and care.
School Condition Improvement Funding
Funding for our health service was not the only news last week as I also received confirmation several local schools had succeeded with applications for funds to improve their buildings.
The schools receiving funding for projects include: Ellacombe Academy, Ilsham Academy, Torquay Academy, Torquay Boys Grammar School and Warberry Academy.
I was particularly pleased to note two awards. The first to Shiphay Learning Academy for a much-needed roof replacement. The second to Paignton Community and Sports Academy for works to deal with the very poor condition of some buildings on their site which date from the 1940’s.
I had raised the needs of both schools in parliament and pushed their case with Ministers and the Department for Education. I am therefore delighted to see them get the funding they urgently needed.
Paignton Harbour
I recently visited 6th Torbay Britannia Sea Scouts based at Paignton Harbour for a discussion about the future for them and the harbour as a whole.
Paignton Harbour is one of the bay’s hidden gems, with historic buildings and a position which lends itself to a range of activities. Plans to invest in this area could bring it to life, yet existing users have legitimate concerns about what this could mean for their activities and want assurances about their future.
Investment in Paignton Harbour is welcome, but any major redevelopment must incorporate continuing the many youth activities which are at the heart of it.
Warboys Case
The case involving David Warboys, who is believed to have raped over 100 women, has been in the news after the Parole Board Decision to release him was overturned.
The Judicial Review application was brought by some of his victims against the Parole Board who had cleared him for release. In the judgement a range of failures were cited as the reason for overturning the decision and these prompted the resignation of the Parole Board Chairman.
I asked the Lord Chancellor to confirm the Government would not oppose the victims’ request for their legal costs to be paid following the success of their application. He gave me this undertaking.
This case has brought to light the need for reform of the Parole Board system for dealing with offenders who have shown little to no remorse for their crimes. The High Court was right to suggest a judge or retired judge should chair panels dealing parole decisions in complex or prominent cases. The removal of the rule requiring total secrecy around the reasons for Parole Board decisions will also allow greater opportunity for victims to understand and if necessary challenge them.
The legacy of this case must not just be one dangerous criminal spending more time in prison, but a reformed Parole Board system which is more transparent and robust.
Easter 2018
There is nothing like celebrating the joy of Easter Sunday by attending a dawn service on a beach with the dramatic sight of the sun rising over our bay in the background.
My favourite place to do this is Paignton Beach. The reminder of the resurrection provided by the service, is mixed with memories of happy times spent there with my Mother who passed away four years ago.
I hope you had a joyful Easter spending time with those you care about and the Easter Bunny brought you some chocolate as well.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Thursday 5th April 11am till 1pm, 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Friday 20th April 3:30pm till 5:30pm, The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Road, Torquay, TQ2 7QR
Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at kevin@kevinjfoster.com to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment. My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.