A petition has been launched calling for an investigation into the rates burden of town centre businesses. Traders are calling on Torbay Council to look at the issue of business rates which they say are cripplingly high in the town centre having been set at the peak of the market. The e-petition has the backing of Torbay Town Centres Company which says it is part of its campaign to bring the focus back to town centre trading.

Torquay town centre, in particular, has been hit by the growth… more»

The efforts of dozens of families and businesses to brighten the winter gloom were recognised at a sparkling prizegiving ceremony.

Chairman of Winter Glitterland judges Marshall Ritchie said this year's displays provided a warm welcome over the festive season for both local residents and visitors to the resort.
"In the summer, Torquay has its sunshine and in the winter it is illuminated with Winter Glitterland lights," he said. "We have taken the lights we used to enjoy inside the house and are sharing them with everyone by putting them up outside our houses and businesses. Winter Glitterland is less a competition than

 As Torbay town centres are brightened by more festive lights than ever this year, businesses and families are being urged to get on the 2011 Winter Glitterland trail.

Businesses across the Bay have this year invested in extra lighting displays as part of their town centre improvement projects. And Torbay Town Centres Company is keen to see the brightening effect spread around Torquay and Paignton and is again sponsoring the competition which is open to all who pride themselves on their external Christmas displays.

Chairman of judges Marshall Ritchie said: "This is our 11th year and the enthusiasm shown by the people has

A lantern parade, carol singing and fireworks got the festive season started in Paignton. The town held its first Christmas lights celebration since voting in favour of becoming a Business Improvement District, and it was reported to be the 'best ever'.
The BID scheme has meant Paignton can have more lights and organise a bigger event than in previous years. On the programme was performances by Shaolin Warriors of Britain's Got Talent and street entertainers. There was also carol singing around the Christmas tree in Palace Avenue and a lantern parade down Torbay Road. The night ended with the lights being turned on

The calm waters of Torquay's inner harbour formed a perfect foil to reflect the spectacle of the town's festive fireworks. The popular Christmas tree lights feature was flanked by explosive displays from a pontoon in the harbour on a perfect, still winter's night.

The weather helped swell the crowds who flocked to the town centre both for the entertainment which had been livening the streets since the morning and the pyrotechnics display, said Torbay Town Centres company chief executive Ian Broadfoot. The town seemed busy and we have had some positive feedback from businesses," he said. "There seemed to be plenty of people throughout

The rejection of a move for Brixham town centre traders to help themselves in the fight for survival has left town and business leaders 'bewildered' and 'gobsmacked'.

Not enough traders voted in favour of the Business Improvement District initiative. The voting turnout was 61.14 per cent with 46 per cent of votes in favour of the scheme representing 59 per cent of the rateable value of the BID area. The vote had to exceed the 50 per cent figure for both votes in favour and rateable value.

Keith Williams, one of the BID champions in the fishing port, vice chairman of the chamber of commerce and the owner of Kaba Kaboo shop in