The picturesque seaside town of Paignton, nestled on the stunning Devon coastline, is reportedly grappling with a profound sense of decline, leaving many long-term residents feeling overlooked and their once-bustling community reduced to a mere shadow of its former self. A deep chasm of frustration has emerged between the local council and community leaders, who claim their voices are being actively ignored amidst crucial discussions about the town’s future.
At the forefront of this civic discontent is Richard Askew, head of Action for Paignton, who vocalizes a fervent passion for the town’s inherent potential, yet expresses profound disappointment over what he perceives as a litany of squandered opportunities. His primary critique centers on the council’s handling of a substantial £13.36 million allocation from the Future High Streets Fund, a vital government initiative designed to bolster local infrastructure, stimulate new housing developments, and revitalize town centers.
A particular flashpoint of contention is the much-anticipated Station Square project, a central hub intended to serve as a welcoming arrival point near the railway and bus stations. Despite its strategic importance to Paignton’s connectivity and first impressions, community stakeholders, including Askew, express considerable dissatisfaction with its current trajectory, highlighting a perceived disconnect between official plans and genuine local needs.
Following his decision to establish Action for Paignton outside of the traditional community partnership structure, Askew feels his group’s insights are actively dismissed by the council. He articulates a pervasive sentiment among his peers that their efforts are viewed as troublesome, leading to a deliberate avoidance of meaningful dialogue and a steadfast refusal to engage with the innovative, ‘better schemes’ the community proposes for Paignton’s revitalization.
Askew’s vision for the town’s future emphatically leans towards fostering a vibrant health and fitness hub, diverging significantly from its traditional reliance on seasonal tourism, which he believes no longer serves the town’s best interests. This progressive outlook, however, frequently collides with a prevailing sense of apathy among residents encountered on the street, many of whom have become resigned to the belief that ‘the council won’t listen to you.’
Echoing these sentiments, local business owners paint a bleak picture of the current economic landscape. A shop manager lamented the proliferation of car parks and flats over establishments designed to draw visitors, remarking, ‘It’s like a ghost town compared to what it was.’ Darren Gouldthorpe, a maintenance worker, reinforced this perspective, noting the severe decline since the 1990s, citing a lack of shops, an increase in social issues, and the disappearance of once-common tourist amenities like gift shops, contributing to the broader Paignton decline.
Even the hospitality sector, traditionally a bedrock of seaside economies, faces significant headwinds. Stephen Smart, who operates a local bed and breakfast, acknowledged the challenging market conditions. He also expressed concern over government initiatives promoting Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) or social housing, suggesting these policies could adversely impact the traditional tourism-focused businesses reliant on guests visiting the area.
Amidst the widespread disquiet, a few voices offer a more optimistic counter-narrative. Thomas King, a young local enjoying a day out with his niece, shared a comparatively upbeat view, stating, ‘It’s actually alright.’ For those with young families, Paignton still holds an undeniable appeal, suggesting that the town’s value proposition may vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and life stages.
However, the prevailing sentiment among younger adults encountered leans heavily towards criticism, particularly concerning the limited social opportunities. One young man candidly described the town as ‘sh*t,’ lamenting the subpar and dwindling bar scene that forces many to seek nightlife in nearby Torquay. The departure of young people in search of better job prospects and a general lack of engaging activities, including the removal of a main skate park, underscore a critical need for substantial high street regeneration and comprehensive planning to reclaim Paignton’s former vibrancy.
