As part of a wider strategy to reopen for the summer, we are installing concrete blocks around Paignton Green to prevent unauthorised use of the site.

Concrete blocks are being put in place by SWISCo on our behalf to stop unauthorised use of the green, which is popular for residents and visitors, with a fairground currently being set up on site.

The temporary initiative in Paignton is part of a package of measures as Torbay reopens to residents and visitors, along with new Clean, Green and Safe Ambassadors who will help to keep the Bay clean and tidy, new recycling bins in Torquay, new street sweeping equipment across the Bay, and a range of measures to improve Torbay’s public parks and open spaces so more people can enjoy them.

In addition to the new concrete blocks, an upgraded CCTV system on the public toilet facility is being used to monitor the entrance gates at Paignton Green.

Councillor Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services for Torbay Council said: “Paignton Green is a very popular and well used community site and it’s really important that residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy it over the summer, especially after the difficult year everyone has had.

“Over the years we have had a lot of different types of unauthorised use of the site over the summer months, so we have decided to install the concrete blocks around the perimeter of Paignton Green following discussions with the local Community Partnership and feedback from local residents. It is important to emphasise that this is a temporary measure and we will be working with local community stakeholders to co-design a long term solution.”

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, said: “We are also looking at what we can do to protect a number of other sites where we have similar issues.

“We are committed to ensuring that the Green is available for our residents and visitors to enjoy this summer.”

Pictured are Councillor Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services, and Craig Ward, Highways Supervisor at SWISCo.