Torquay traders say parts are 'on the verge of disaster'

Council urged to fast-track support

Some Torbay traders say action is needed as they claim the area’s three town centres are on the verge of disaster.

Torquay trader Cllr Ras Virdee (Lib Dem, St Marychurch) told Torbay’s full council last week wasn’t surprised to read an article in a national newspaper  about the state of trade in the centre of Torquay.

In the piece, one business owner described this summer as the worst in 14 years for business, with the town looking ‘deserted’. Another estimated that without support from the government at least a third of the remaining businesses would shut down in the next 12 months.

In a written question to the full council, Cllr Virdee asked: “In light of this, over six months ago, Torbay Council agreed in the 2023-24 budget for £100,000 to be allocated to introduce a new role within the council to act as a force for positive change in our town centres.

“Can you please explain why no appointment has been made?”

Cllr Chris Lewis (Con, Preston) recruitment had not yet begun as the new Conservative administration on the council took time to identify the specific challenges facing the town centres of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

“There is a commitment to ensure that this budget is used to support vibrant and sustainable town centres in Torbay,” he said.

“It’s not about recruitment. It’s about looking to see what the priorities are.

“We are not against having a town centre manager for the bay, but that has not been a priority for us in the midst of a lot of issues we have got in the town centres – anti-social behaviour and a lot of other things we are trying to clear up.

“But it is still on the list of things we have to do.