Help at hand for Torquay harbourside businesses

People in Torquay complaining about harbourside roadworks amid claims that businesses are being badly hit have been invited to take a look at the work for themselves.

Torbay Council cabinet member Cllr Chris Lewis (Con, Preston) said it  had been working closely with traders to understand their concerns.
His comments followed claims by former Torbay Mayor Gordon Oliver that the massive harbourside public realm project is ‘totally unnecessary and a waste of public money’.
The works are part of a multi-million-pound project to revamp the Strand, opening up a wide harbourside boulevard for pedestrians.
Mr Oliver said businesses on the Strand were being crippled by the works and are not getting enough help.
But Cllr Lewis said: “Torbay Council has been working closely with businesses in the area to understand their concerns. Regular meetings and conversations are taking place and where possible council officers are exploring options to reconfigure the programme of works and traffic management measures.
“This includes considering reinstating two-way traffic over key holiday periods.”
Cllr Lewis said the timetable could be changed to meet the needs of businesses and tourism.
He went on: “There is no ideal time to undertake major regeneration work, and with change to high profile areas such as the Strand and harbourside, there will be some disruption in the area.
“What is important to remember is that businesses in the area remain open and can still be accessed by foot, with lots of parking options nearby. Parking capacity in the area is due to be increased from 14 March, as the Harbour (Terrace) car park will be fully reopened, meaning 300 public spaces will be available.
“I’d encourage people to come down and see for themselves how the project is shaping up.”