Memo to activists: Cream teas and cows alone won't save our bacon
DEMOCRACY is a wonderful thing. It allows freedom of speech and the right to protest.
In Torbay, we have an array of protest and action groups who do just that — speak out when they think a wrong-doing needs righting.
Some would say that without them the Bay would be a much less colourful and interesting place.
Others may say the same names crop up when protests are made and they do little for the advancement of the English Riviera.
But only in Torbay would you see moves being made to bring all those activists under one, big umbrella organisation, but that is just what's happening.
The seeds have been sown for the formation of the Torbay Federation of Amenity Groups.
It is the brainchild of Ian Handford, leader of Torbay Civic Society, and Tony Moss, of Paignton History and Preservation Society.
An 'exploratory' meeting has already been held with representatives from other groups also attending.
According to notes of the meeting, they included Wishing Field Brixham, Turning Point Heritage Trust, Babbacombe History Society/Babbacombe Cliff Railway Trust and the St Marychurch ward partnership.
Mr Handford emphasises that the federation has yet to be officially formed and he insists it is not about being a giant protest group.
He said: "It is an alliance of groups."
He said the idea of a super-group was first discussed between him and Mr Moss four years ago.
He added: "The thinking behind it is until all the groups right across the patch get together, you cannot see where there is the power to do anything on their own.
"Everybody has their own agenda. We want to bring people together.
"We are picking out people who are activists in the Bay. We have 15 that are, hopefully, on board."
He said it will only be a 'major issue' which will force the federation into action.
"It has to be a major issue, issues like covenants where everybody is like-minded and does not want to fight a battle on their own," said Mr Handford.
He also insisted: "We want to put the Bay back on the map. We need to go back to where we were — a beautiful place where people want to come."
Mr Moss, however, was talking in more protest terms than his new partner.
He said: "We are an umbrella group of activists. We will be a group that will meet up and if we need to make a protest as a group then we will."
He added: "We have lots of little groups all over the Bay.
"We are really on the same side as each other on various things happening in the Bay.
"If we could join together we can speak together in one voice on some of the burning issues we have at the moment."
He, too, denied there was any wish to stop the Riviera progressing.
"It is more a forward-thinking step," said Mr Moss.
"We need a bigger voice to be heard within the corridors of power."
He insisted: "We do not want to hold Torbay back. There are lots of things we do in the background to help the Bay.
"We are not nay sayers all the time. I see Torbay as getting a better tourist industry. It is our major employer and that's what we are — a tourist area."
He does not rule out support for some regeneration projects.
He said: "You have to look at each one as it comes along."
The mere mention of a super-group is already raising concerns in those corridors of power.
Cllr Dave Butt, in charge of community services, doesn't like it.
He said: "I just think it's a great shame that people appear to be getting together and opposing the regeneration of Torbay.
"It does seem to be the same people joining these anti-campaigns.
"The more people try to stop change in Torbay the more others pick up these protests and think there really is something wrong."
He said: "Most people want Torbay to move forward. But there are people who do not like change.
"We have to go by the majority and we have to ensure Torbay moves forward so we can give a better future for our youngsters.
"It is a great pity that people want to take this stance.
"They want to keep it as it has been for generations. But you must change. We must look after our green spaces but there has to be a balance."
Deputy mayor Cllr Chris Lewis, also in charge of regeneration, was surprised by the moves.
He said: "I get on well with most of these people. I think that in the past if they have had a problem they spoke to me and we have discussed it.
"In fairness to him, Ian Handford has not been against everything. "
But he added: "It is sad if people like this group together. They will be seen as the awkward squad and against regeneration which they are not.
"They have to be very careful that they do not side-line themselves as being people who are against everything.
"They should take everything on its merit and not set up a pressure group that would be anti the majority of projects in the Bay.
"It is very often the same people that have a view on developments.
"If we do not move forward there is no future for Torbay."
The movers behind the federation have approached other people to join them.
One is Bob Brewis, chairman of the Preston ward partnership. He won't be joining.
He explained: "I am not a single-issue man.
"I chair a community partnership that encourages debate under a constitution that has been properly adopted by everybody.
"I feel that my role as chairman is to look at everything and not just comment on whether I support something or feel I do not want to support something."
He added: "I am very wary about certain people. If they want to use people fine, but don't use me and do not put me in a position which makes me feel uncomfortable."
He said his ward partnership openly discusses regeneration projects like Oldway and Parkfield.
"There are members who have concerns. We talk and concerns are raised but we are not one anti-group," said Mr Brewis.
"With due respect, I suspect that Ian Handford and Tony Moss are trying to get certain local groups together to come up with what they are against, not what they are for.
"I do not want to get tied up with a group that has no constitution or a real purpose in life.
"If you want a soap box, fine, have a soap box and I will listen but do not wind me up to join that soap box."
Mr Handford was unaware Mr Brewis had turned down the invitation to join.
He said: "It's up to him. We are not doing any arm-twisting."
Mr Moss said that when holidaymakers visit the Bay they expect what they can't have, and can't enjoy, at home.
He explained: "People come here to look at our natural environment and our in-built heritage.
"Devon is cream teas with green fields and cows."
Mmm... that may be the impression, Tony. But times have moved on and locals and visitors alike expect much more.
It's a lovely thought but I fear cream teas and cows alone won't save our bacon.
I fear more battles lie ahead...
18 Comments
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by John, Paignton
Monday, March 15 2010, 3:52PM
“Haviing seen the drawings of the proposed new restaurant in the HE it would appear that the view from that spot WILL be downgraded, so here is my suggestion. Build a single- storey restaurant with glass sides that is cantilevered over the sea. Its strengthened roof could then be used to replace the viewing platform thus retaining the wonderful views from the Downs that my visitors enjoy when they stay with me.”
by Ad, Brighton
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 11:20PM
“Mark Hellier and the Backwards Brigade - your argument seems to centralise around the argument that the area should be " a nice place to retire" and nothing else. This view is quite selfish and not sustainable for Torbay - for example, I've already had to move away from the area to get a decent job.
If Torbay has high class developments such as this one then in turn more will come. Suggesting that it will block views is absolute rubbish and is an example of the misinformation being spread.What it will do is bring people other than OAPs to the area making it more used and appreciated than it is at the moment.”
by Alan Griffey Torbay Friends of The Earth, Torquay
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 1:58PM
“@ David
"You say that you and your 'followers' are for regeneration, but you do not make any suggestions as to what shape that re-generation should take. I am sure people would take you much more seriously if you had an alternative plan, rather than just damning any suggestion that the current administration puts forward."
Torbay needs a Government Training Centre. We're told there's a skills shortage here. If the South Devon College does this adequately at the moment then I'll withdraw this request., but local youngsters when they reach maturity, 21 say, should be able to re-train from unskilled work (shop assistant) to skilled work (carpenter), this would fit them for the local employment market or give them a good 'ticket to ride' to other areas. This would also attract firms here knowing we had the skills.”
by Mark Doidge, Torquay
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 1:11PM
“@ Alan Griffey
Moreover, can you explain how creating 20 new jobs does not enhance the local economy? It is 20 new jobs providing some disposable income to be spent in the town.
Furthermore, can you explain why tourists would want to come and sit on a toilet in this "world famous view", rather than dine with it?
If you travel, do you dine in brownfield sites where you could be anywhere in the world? Throughout the world there are tourist sites where it is possible to dine with a view of the vista that makes that location unique - on the piazzas of Rome and Florence, the quaysides in Sydney and Cape Town or the beaches of Rio.
Our post-industrial service economy has turned us into discerning consumers who consume experiences. Sitting on the downs eating fish and chips is but one experience, but an experience that can be done in countless seaside towns across the country. We have this fantastic view in Torbay, but where is it possible to dine and enjoy it?
There also seems to be a misunderstanding that building on the Downs blocks the view - the view is still there (no-one is proposing to build in the sea). The view has not been destroyed by building hotels on the front, nor a theatre on the edge of the cliff. Why is it acceptable to have a large theatre on the Downs (where you can't see this "world famous view"), but not a dining experience (where you can)?”
by Mark Doidge, Torquay
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 12:58PM
“@Mark Hellyer
You state that you have "made my position on regeneration, etc., fairly clear" and that we should "re-read stuff I have written". A quick search of your blog for 'regeneration' yields one result in the section 'About the B&SMCC', which states: "Our aim is to slow down and remove the urgency from the aggressive top-down, anti-community politics of gentrification, regeneration and the prioritisation of private profit over public space being forced upon us by our local authority".
A clear indication that this 'community' sees no urgency in regeneration and see it as "aggressive", "top-down" and "anti-community". This moral high ground provides no alternatives (clearly, as they see no urgency for regeneration). They also do not see themselves as "aggressive", nor what they are doing as "anti-community".
Failing to safeguard a sustainable future in Torbay, through the delaying and termination of alternative forms of employment and tourist attractions is the most "anti-community" thing they can do. The continued fragmentation of local families, coupled with the lack of jobs, will lead to the increased "anti-community" episodes many people lament in the modern world. Through the attraction of tourists, and the creation of employment, we can build a future for the people of Torbay.”
by Alan Griffey, Torbay Friends of The Earth, Torquay, Torquay
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 12:57PM
“@Mark Doidge and @David
How is building a restaurant employing 20 minimum wage employees ( I should think most of the year they'll be staring at each other bored stiff), and blocking a world famous view going to regenerate Torbay? Keep the views, - that brings the visitors here! Build inland, on brownfield sites. Large firms should move down here attracted by lower than national wage levels and a better environment for their workers.”
by Mark Hellyer, Torquay
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 12:34PM
“@ David
Fair play to Mark Doidge, he's put his name to him comments, so we're getting somewhere. Will you now do the same?
I have made my position on regeneration, etc., fairly clear, so maybe you need to look at some of the videos again and re-read stuff I have written.
You have a great tendency for making sweeping generalisations about 'pensioners' and for putting words in my mouth - I don't claim to have any followers, I just made the point that I am not alone in being against giving away public land to a private developer. I don't damn everything this administration does, but its control of planning procedures certainly needs to be investigated.”
by David, Torquay
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 12:18PM
“@ Mark Hellyer.
From what I can see from both the meeting on Sunday and the previous meeting in St Marychurch, you appear to speak on behalf of 600 odd pensioners. Many of whom, I would guess, have moved into the area after retirement. Unfortunately, these people have little or no interest in the commercial future of Torbay and also have little knowledge of the thriving area it once was.
You say that you and your "followers" are for regeneration, but you do not make any suggestions as to what shape that re-generation should take. I am sure people would take you much more seriously if you had an alternative plan, rather than just damning any suggestion that the current administration puts forward.”
by Mark Doidge, Torquay
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 11:47AM
“@Mark Hellyer
I'm not sure what the comment "people like you" means. I work from home and am lucky enough to work in a service that facilitates such flexibility. I am also acutely aware of the low paid status of service sector employment. Britain has transferred from a manufacturing economy into a service economy. Those localities that have understood that change have benefited from Britain's post-industrial development (such as Exeter, Bristol and Bournemouth). Torbay still needs to attract service sector jobs.
However, as only 12% of people work from home, this leaves 88% who don't. The facilities that Torbay has to offer does not attract home-workers (unless they were born here or have an existing affiliation). Furthermore, how do these 12% sustain an economy like Torbay?
In addition, Torbay has been a tourist town throughout the industrial period. Not many tourists work from home, and even fewer tourist jobs operate within the parameters of 'home-working'. Are you proposing that Torbay ceases to be a tourist area so home-workers can work in peace?
As I am sure that you are aware, the increase in service sector jobs and home-working has profoundly affected our consumption habits. This has seen an increase in retailing and eating out. This not only facilitates the need for employment, but encourages tourists and locals to energise the economy.
Can you explain what are your proposals to attract home-workers, develop tourism and sustain the local economy? And can you explain what umbrella protest groups, such as the one in Mr Parker's article, are actively proposing?”
by Mark Hellyer, Torquay
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 9:39AM
“@ Mark
Firstly can I suggest you include your surname in future postings? I'm sure you wouldn't want people to confuse you with me - I certainly wouldn't want the reverse to happen.
Torbay in the 21st century needs to be somewhere that people live and work differently. 12% of the workforce currently work from home, 60% of new businesses start from home. The internet means that people can quite easily live and work in Torbay, but not in the traditional way that people like you suggest. The majority of traditional jobs in this area will continue to be low paid ones in the service industries - that's the reality.
This comments facility is not really the place to get into a long debate on the pros and cons of nationalisation/ renationalisation, so I'll leave that topic alone for now - especially as I am at work and it doesn't have much direct relevance to not building on our green spaces!”