Language students survey views on hotel bid

YOUNG language students from a school just outside Copenhagen have been involved in a project on the proposed development of the Park Hotel on the seafront in Paignton.

The students, who have been studying at the Devon School of English, have been out and about on the Esplanade interviewing locals and holiday-makers alike, getting their views on Singapore developer James Koh’s proposals to demolish the building and turn it into a new 161-bed hotel which would be five-storeys high.

The Danish visitors said they found the people they spoke to friendly, polite and easy to approach, and the majority of those spoken to were interested in knowing more about the pro- holiday hunger which proved to be extremely successful – the numbers speak for themselves.

“This would not have been possible without the phenomenal support from the organisations and groups involved, to whom we are so very grateful.”

Also this summer, Play Torbay’s work attracted a visit from the Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield at Totnes MP Dr Sarah ject.

The opinions the students collected were mixed.

Older people were more in favour of keeping and restoring the hotel as it is now while younger interviewees favoured demolition and a completely

Children enjoy lunch at a Play Torbay adventure playground Wollaston’s request.

Dr Sarah told constituents: “It was a pleasure to welcome Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England to Brixham after she accepted my invitation to meet the team at Play Torbay as well as local families and young people to discuss the importance of play and their outstanding work supporting families”.

In a subsequent interview with The Observer, Anne new look.

The students themselves were split, too, as to whether the town should go with the Victorian look, preserving as much as possible, or move with the times and embrace the new project. Longfield said: “Radical measures are needed to restore the importance of play, such as overhauling play areas and parks, and encouraging GPs to recommend “play on prescription”.

Play Torbay continues to offer free play sessions during school time at its three Adventure Playgrounds in Torbay which everyone is welcome to join. For venues and dates visit www.playtorbay.org.uk.