To receive any communications or announcements from the:

Ø  Civic Mayor, including presentation of the Gold National Britain in Bloom Award to Torquay in Bloom and presentation of long service awards to Councillors and staff;

Ø  Leader of the Council;

Ø  Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator; or

Ø  Chief Executive.

The Worshipful The Mayor of Torbay and the Chief Executive presented long service certificates to both Councillors and officers.  The following Councillors and officers received certificates in recognition of their dedication to public service in Torbay:

Councillor Darren Cowell

Councillor Amanda Darling

Councillor Tyerman

Councillor Barbara Lewis (presented by the Chief Executive, Anne-Marie Bond)

Officers:

Barbara Ashplant

Joanne Beer

Lisa Russell

The Worshipful The Mayor of Torbay announced that Torquay in Bloom had been awarded the Gold National Britain in Bloom Award and presented the award to Tim Eley (Torquay in Bloom Partnership) and Mark Hackett and Laura Gough (SWISCo) at the meeting.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay further announced that the Civic Carol Service was due to be held on Sunday 14 December 2025 at 3.30 pm, at St Pauls Church, Preston, and all Members, along with family and friends, were invited to attend.

The Leader of the Council provided an update on the following developments for Torbay, which strengthened our visitor offer and boosted the local economy:

a)       Libéma would be managing Paignton Zoo and its sister site in Newquay from January 2026, bringing commercial expertise in conservation-led attractions and high-quality visitor experiences. The transition was expected to secure the long-term future of the Zoos, protect jobs, and strengthen the local economy.  The Leader of the Council extended thanks to the Zoo’s staff and the Wild Planet Trust for their continued dedication during the transition;  and

b)       the Bay of Lights continued to grow, with the addition of an ice-skating rink, to enhance Torbay’s winter offer. Residents and visitors were encouraged to book sessions early as some were close to selling out.