Conservatives fail to find way forward for Crossways

Torbay Liberal Democrats are set to demand answers on the Conservative decision to abandon the Crossways redevelopment plan, which included affordable housing for local people.

Paignton Liberal Democrat councillor Christine Carter said: ‘Dozens of residents have been in touch with me horrified that the Conservatives have chose to abandon this project without a clear way forward. Paignton deserves better than this. Myself and the Liberal Democrats will be holding them to account to ensure that they do not let the private market decide the outcome of this vital town centre project and to ensure that this redevelopment helps with our housing crisis in delivering more genuinely affordable housing for local residents.

‘Torbay Conservatives are failing to recognise the scale of this crisis and the important role that Torbay Council must play in dealing with this problem for local residents. It shows how out of touch they are with the dire housing need across the bay when the Conservative deputy leader states that it is not the job of the council to provide affordable housing for local people.’

Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Torbay, added: ‘Housing matters are keeping many residents awake at night as mortgages and rents go through the roof. I continue to champion the need for more affordable houses in Torbay, both in the council chamber and by lobbying those in power nationally.’

‘Week in, week out I am talking to Torbay residents on the doorstep and hearing of the devastating impact that this crisis is having on many people in our communities. We must demand better for our Bay than the Conservatives and their failure.’

Councillor Carter will be asking the following question at the full council meeting on the 20th of September:

Councillor Carter to the Cabinet Member for Place Services and Economic Growth (Councillor Chris Lewis)

Why did the Conservative administration not have a clear alternative way forward before announcing to residents that the current scheme for Crossways was unviable. What assurances can you give me that the local authority continues to have discussions with those who provide affordable housing, such as registered providers for social housing to ensure that whatever appears on that site will help with the housing crisis in Torbay.