'Overlooked' Torbay to get £20 million

But it's not enough, says opposition

Torquay is the only “overlooked” town in the south west to receive levelling up funding, but the £20 million won’t fill the gap that has been left by the government’s authority measures, according to Torbay Council’s opposition leader.

Whilst the money has been welcomed to help boost the town centre and reduce anti-social behaviour, it is a “drop in the ocean” according to Liberal Democrat leader Steve Darling (Barton with Watcombe), who says the council has lost more than £500 million in government funding since austerity began.

The Conservative/Lib Dem coalition introduced the policy in 2010.

Now the government is dishing out  £1.1 billion to 55 towns in after competitive bids from locations across the country. Torquay joins places such as Scunthorpe, Skegness and Grimsby in the latest round of funding, which will be spread over 10 years.

“We need serious funding and longer than 10 years to sort out the issues we have here in Torbay,” said Cllr Darling.

“It’s not a golden ticket by any means. There was a £96 million gap in funding last year. The £20 million is nowhere near enough but we will use it to lever in extra money from the private sector and our partners.

“This funding is a sprat to catch a mackerel.”

But Conservative MP for Torbay Kevin Foster said the government’s support for Torquay’s regeneration now stood at £41 million and the latest announcement is “fantastic news.”

“It is exactly what was needed after the loss of the Wilko store and will help drive change in our town, with derelict sites becoming new homes, businesses and cultural venues,” he said.

He said most people would be asking when would the work start after numerous delays had stopped regeneration proceding. “Since May the new Conservative leaders of Torbay Council have been getting to work on ensuring we finally get shovels in the ground and deliver the regeneration Torquay deserves and needs.”

The levelling-up cash will also used to improve transport and grow the local economy.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak claims the funds will improve “half-empty high streets, run-down shopping centres and anti-social behaviour that undermine many towns’ prosperity”

He continued: “Our long-term plan for towns puts funding in the hands of local people themselves to invest in line with their priorities, over the long-term. That is how we level up,” he said.

The money was announced on Saturday, a day ahead of the Tory party conference in Manchester.