Safety fears as Torquay play area fenced off

Legal complications mean open space is still out of bounds

Children are playing in Torquay’s streets because a promised public open space remains fenced off.

The play area at the Willows should have been delivered as part of a growing housing development, but legal complications have held it up.

Torbay Council says its legal team is working on it, but local MP Steve Darling and fellow Liberal Democrat councillors are demanding action.

They say it is urgent the delay is resolved, and there are safety issues around children playing in the streets, with damage being caused to property and an increased risks of accidents.

The open space was designed for family outdoor activities including children’s play and dog-walking.

Mr Darling, who is Lib Dem councillor for Barton with Watcombe as well as the MP, said: “Many residents were promised this open space when they bought their homes, and it’s deeply concerning that, despite the completion of the housing development, the space remains locked and unavailable to the people who need it.”

He said that a year ago Torbay Council and Cavanna Homes had met to resolve this issue, but the process was waiting for sign-off from the council’s lawyers.

Cllr Swithin Long (Lib Dem, Barton with Watcombe) added: “I have seen first-hand the impact this is having on families and children. Kids are playing football in the streets, which is both a serious safety risk and is leading to damage to cars and homes.

“This situation cannot be allowed to continue. I’ve repeatedly raised this issue at the Town Hall, yet residents are still being let down.”

A council spokesman said discussions over the open space were still ‘active’, with the Town Hall’s property legal team working to clarify the situation.