TORBAY Council has put in a bid for Paignton's troubled Crossways shopping centre.

The site, between Torbay Road and Hyde Road, has been heavily criticised in recent months, with barely a quarter of the units occupied.

It was put under the control of receivers in January because the parent company, Paladru Service Corporation, had fallen behind with its mortgage payments and went into administration.

Sealed bids have been received from a number of interested groups, with a fee of around £2million expected to seal the deal.

Torbay Council has long been keen to see the Crossways site brought into the 21st century, helping to boost Paignton's fortunes.

Chris Lewis (pictured), deputy mayor of Torbay, said: "What we want to do is regenerate Paignton, but obviously we've got to be mindful of how much we've bid for the site.

"The whole of Paignton needs looking at. We've started on the library but there's so much else that needs to be done.

"What we don't want is for someone else to buy Crossways and then just sit on it. As it is, the site is not attractive.

"Why would someone go shopping there?

"If we do get it we wouldn't be able to do something from day one. It'll be step by step.

"We could look at doing something like the innovations incubation units. Who knows?

"We just want to get people in there, get it buzzing again. Fingers crossed we are successful in our bid.

"If we aren't, it'll be a question of talking to whoever gets it and working with them. Whoever buys it, we'll be involved in Crossways somehow."

It is thought that Paladru purchased Crossways from Kenmore Property Group in 2006, at a cost of £5.75million.

Since then business leaders have been frustrated at a lack of modernisation at the site, but they are now pleased about the council's intervention.

Christian Seiflow-Moran, Torbay Chamber of Trade chairman, said: "Firstly, anything which improves Crossways is good news.

"We can't have another company which sits on Crossways as an investment. It would remain as a carbuncle, which is not what anyone wants.

"An innovations centre isn't going to work long-term but, equally, the last thing we want is to see a Tesco in there."

Crossways is included in the Mayoral Vision, which aims to increase Torbay's business opportunities.

Matthew Clarke, who owns the nearby Torbay Bookshop in Paignton, said: "I wish the council luck with its bid for Crossways.

"I think it's very responsible of our council to endeavour to stave off an investment company aiming to mothball the site for many years.

"It's important for the town to see the council investing in Paignton. It opens up many exciting possibilities for the future.

"Paignton is a vibrant town, with a loyal customer base, and we welcome any positive moves."