Brixham 21

I rushed back from our conference in Bournemouth on Thursday in order to be at the consultation meeting called by Brixham21 to discuss the proposed regeneration plans, and am I glad I did!

How good it was to see nearly 500 people, all passionately interested in the future of Brixham, come together to voice their opinions on the proposals. Passionate views for and against the proposals.

It is apparent that the vast majority of people support 80% of the proposals. People want a dynamic and vibrant fishing industry, people want a thriving tourist industry providing the highest standards visitors demand and people want a regenerated town centre with new shops and facilities. The big sticking point is housing on Oxen Cove and Freshwater Quarry.

How many times have I been told by the people of Brixham that they feel the poor relations of the Bay, with a history of lack of investment. We now have a golden opportunity to put that right. Funding streams are available which will not be available after the end of the year. This funding has to have a local input and the only identified way is by housing development that will provide this local finance. If anyone can suggest alternative means of raising the finance I am sure Brixham 21 would be delighted to hear about it.

It is important to recognise that the plans presented are only concepts and not set in stone. I, personally, think the proposed housing designs leave a lot to be desired, but housing on this site will enable the whole project to go forward and provide 70 -80 houses more affordable to our local population. The affordable housing situation is certainly not going to be solved by this project alone, far more needs to be done, but if it does not go ahead even these 70 - 80 houses will not be built.

Mr. Robinson in his presentation made much of the validity of the questionnaire put out by Brixham 21, and he may have a point, but I would say to him that petitions can be equally biased if people sign without knowing all the details. The heart often rules the head in these situations.

We have a unique opportunity to revitalise Brixham and secure the future of the fishing and tourist industries whilst generating more jobs, wealth and prosperity. I would make a plea for the people of Brixham to take full advantage of this and not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Let us keep talking and find a solution that will secure the future of Brixham for generations. Compromises may have to be reached but we must take every opportunity to ensure that Brixham remains a jewel in the Torbay crown.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Treleaven

Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate -Totnes Constituency