Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 8th May 2024) below:
Alison
Congratulations to Torbay resident Alison Hernandez on being re-elected as our Police & Crime Commissioner!
It has been good to work with her over the last 8 years as she delivered increased Police Officer numbers and safer streets schemes for Paignton & Torquay, whilst Devon & Cornwall retained one of the lowest crime rates in the country.
There is more work to be done, especially on issues with anti-social behaviour (ASB) and drugs in our town centres, plus dealing with those who drive dangerously on our local roads. It was therefore good to be catching up with Alison on Sunday, less than 48 hours after her re-election, about how we can tackle ASB issues raised by residents.
TUFC
I am delighted to hear the Bryn Consortium has now been selected as the preferred bidder for Torquay United!
It is a relief to know the club will soon have new owners and a new era will soon get underway, but this does not take away the hard questions which must be faced by them. Even without the deduction of 11 league points, we would not have made the play offs as the team have struggled against part-time outfits. Off-pitch the club went into administration and for much of the season it did not seek to engage with the fans which are its life blood. In short, there is a lot of work needed to turn things round at Plainmoor.
I therefore look forward to working with the new owners to get Torquay United back where it belongs: The Football League.
Tourist Tax
Tourism is the life blood of our bay’s economy.
It’s easy to forget the concerns of the recent past, when it appeared cheap deals for trips abroad might mean permanent decline. Our tourism industry has instead adapted and offered new services\facilities to attract visitors here. Significant investments being made into new hotels, major refurbishments of existing hotels and upgrades to attractions are all votes of confidence in the future of our tourism sector.
Tourism businesses already pay a levy on their business rates to fund items like promoting our bay, but the suggestion of a direct tax on visitors would be a step too far. It might seem an easy way to get others to pay for some services, yet each extra £ of tax levied on a room or service, is another potential deterrent to visiting and a burden for the local businesses likely to absorb the cost.
We should be thinking how we can attract visitors to our beautiful bay, not coming up with ways to get them paying a tax for doing so. I therefore oppose introducing a Tourist Tax.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 10th May 10am till 12Noon at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 18th May 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Road, Paignton TQ4 5AG.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
