Theatre packed for Partnership meeting

THE dream of a £500,000 seafront playground in Paignton for children will fail without community support, a public meeting heard.

Even though central Paignton Green, next to the Apollo cinema, is said to be the sole suitable site in the town for a Lottery-funded and community partnership backed proposal, the idea was strongly opposed by major users of the area.

At the end the meeting, the 100-plus audience was warned: “We cannot put in a Lottery application without public support. If we don’t get it, the application won’t go in.”

Organisers of the town’s major charitable events all voiced support for the idea but not if it would affect their fundraising activities.

They wanted it moved to nearby Torbay Park even though organisers say the site does not meet Lottery rules as it already has a playground, is unsuitable as it is low-lying and affected by high tides, and is protected by covenants.

The project was discussed at a meeting of the Paignton Community Partnership.

Partnership chairman Richard Kaskow said similar parks in Teignbridge attracted 400,000 people a year, compared with 500,000 going to see the lions of Longleat.

He said: “The potential for us is massive.”

Designer Andrew Maddock, of Torquay architects Kay Elliot, said the park would take up about a third of the central green, and would make use of natural elements for children aged two to 13.

“It still allows a substantial part of the Green for events,” he said.

Tracey Cabache, Torbay Council’s community partnership chief, said there had been initial talks with major users and there will be a fuller public consultation towards the end of the month.

Julie Norman, Paignton Regatta committee member, said: “It would be denying the use of the Green for the whole population of Paignton when it should be going in Torbay Park.”

Parent Andrew Robinson said people may have to change the way they use the Green: “All we are asking for is something to change. The Bay’s potential is held up by nay-sayers.”

After that almost every speaker including organisers of the rowing club, bikers group, regatta, half marathon, the town’s preservation society, hoteliers and residents said they were in favour of the idea of a playground but not on the Green. Most wanted it moved to Torbay Park or to Preston.

Biker Chris Lancaster, for the charity group Bikers Make A Difference, said it would mean the charity would not be able to continue with its spring bike festival which had raised £77,000 in five years.

Cllr Jeanette Richards said: “I am not against the idea. I am against the location.”

Helen Thomas, who runs the Shoreline restaurant at the rear of the Apollo, said: “It is disappointing that everybody is so negative here.”