TORRE & UPTON COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL!

The Torre & Upton Community Partnership has an established Steering Group representing a variety of interests in the area including residents, businesses, schools, churches and social clubs. They are joined by Ward Councillor and Police representatives. This partnership covers the area from Castle Circus up to Cricketfield Road and from Newton Road over to Lower Shirburn Road. It provides an opportunity for the local people who live or work in this area of Torquay, to discuss issues of common concern, and for local people to understand and influence the way in which services are provided in their area.

November 2011 Marked the end of the first year of the Partnership and at the AGM the following were elected … Susie Colley (Chair), Julie Brandon (Vice-Chair), Sylvia Allen (Minute Taker), Chris Thomas (Treasurer).

During 2012 we will continue to develop our involvement in very local issues where we are already making a difference.

For instance, along with representatives from other Partnerships, we have made late-night/dawn visits to the Harbourside to monitor events and exert influence on traders and the Council to improve cleanliness and services. It has also given us opportunities to show support to the Police and Street Pastors as they regularly face challenging and demanding situations.

Together with the Town Centre Partnership we have been lobbying the Council and the Police to improve response and feedback when people report anti-social behavior. We have given support to the local divers who had the foresight, energy and enthusiasm to realize the great potential of sinking HMS Ark Royal (or failing that, another vessel) to create an artificial reef. We are supporting the Rooute1 project at the Coach Station which has the potential to create a valuable learning centre and cultural community venue. And, we help lend a voice when planning; parking or Council services issues arise.

The Steering Group meets every six weeks and these are interspersed with public meetings. Starting in 2012, our local Police Beat Team will hold a public surgery starting at 6 pm in the Town Hall prior to each of our public meetings (next one on Wednesday 4th April 2012).

We encourage you to come along and help us influence the local issues that matter to you.

Details of the membership, meeting dates, venues, agendas and minutes are all available via the Community Partnership pages of www.torcom.org.uk or call the Torbay Community Partnership Team 01803 208831.

Rosemary Dowell, 02/12/2011