INTOUCH     WINTER 2012

 WE HAVE THE LINK ROAD!

   Since the Conservative administration took over the running of Torbay Council in 2005, they have been committed to finding a solution to the Kingkerswell bypass problem. Many of the team including Mayor Gordon Oliver have lobbied and used whatever influence they have had at a local, regional and national level to ensure the project was kept high on any possible list.

 We are truly delighted that the Chancellor announced in his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons that the South Devon Link Road will receive funding to the tune of £77m. The Association wishes to thank EVERYONE who has played a part in progressing this decision.

  EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

 Our Number One Commitment is to create new employment opportunities for all across the Bay. We are working hard with the developers at White Rock to secure over 1,000 full time jobs. The new craft studios at Cockington Court are creating opportunities for start-up businesses. We have had discussions with local banks to help small employers and representations have been made to Central Government to reduce VAT rates on Tourism related activities.

 REGENERATION

 We are actively continuing to develop sympathetic regeneration schemes across the Bay, including providing and working on solutions for Princess Promenade, Oldway Mansion, Palm Court Hotel and the Riviera International Conference Centre. As promised there has been both wide and open consultation on the new plans. Planning applications are being processed for early commencement.

  SAFEGUARDING

 Safeguarding the vulnerable and our children is a priority and improvements have been made. We have just invested £500,000 in early intervention to help reduce the pressure of demand and spend in our children's budget over the coming years.

   TOURISM

 ■ Tourism is the life blood of our community, after extensive behind the scenes work with the Olympic Committee we are delighted that both Paignton and Torquay towns will feature on the Olympic Torch Route. We have a full programme of special events and floral displays planned to celebrate both this and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. On the Maritime front we are working to secure a Tall ship event for 2014 and we have just announced that the Bay will play host to 6 cruise ships during 2012 and 2013

 RECYCLING

 ■ In 2007, our recycling rate in the Bay was as low as 27%, with the Public's help and our partnership working with T0R2 we are now achieving 45%. We can do much better! We have been asked by the public to recycle yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and batteries to name a few. We are delighted to announce that our new enhanced recycling scheme has started to roll out in time for Christmas 2011. Thank you for all your help, let's continue in this positive direction!

 SETTIING THE BUDGET

We live in very difficult times. This year we are having to find savings in the region of £llm but despite those pressures we are committed to keeping open our toilets and libraries and protecting as many of our front line services as we possibly can.

      MAYOR GORDON OLIVER AND HIS CONSERVATIVE TEAM ARE PROUD OF            

ACHIEVEMENTS, CONTINUED AND INITIATED IN THEIR FIRST SIX MONTHS

 Mayor creates a £250,000 fund to promote job creation through tourism, inward investment and events.

 • Council borrowing reduced by £9m.

 • Jointly lobbied Central Government and achieved a £50 water bill reduction for all householders.

• Working with developers at White Rock, Paignton to bring forward up to 1,350 new full time jobs.

• Opening of new craft studios at Cockington Court to aid start-up businesses.

• Parkfield Children's Centre Opens in Paignton. A £5m investment

• Refurbishment of Princess Promenade for completion by 2012 season.

• Working with developers getting the right scheme for Palm Court Hotel

• £5m scheme for Torre Abbey announced and started.

• Geopark Accreditation renewed.

• Planning application now submitted for Oldway Mansion

• A Purple Hag is awarded to Torbay's Night Time Economy

• Torbay wins 6 Blue Flags for beaches with clean water, litter-free shores, good facilities and safety standards

• Improved bus services to serve Torbay Hospital and localities not previously included on existing routes.

• Newly redeveloped Old Market House in Brixham opens to wide acclaim.

• Creation of a new Events and Marketing Forum.

• Actively lobbied to try to try to retain Coastguard

• Provided Sports Clubs with new leases up to 40 years – enabling them to1 obtain new funding streams.

• Created 3 Neighbourhood Forums to each develop a Neighbourhood Plan - Localism in Action.

• Hi-Tech Forum has its first conference - hailed a great success by all who attended.

• Dunboyne Extra Care facility opens in St. Marychurch in partnership with Sanctuary Housing.

   _   WORKING TO DELIVER OUR ELECTION PROMISES