D-DAY FOR BALLOON LEASE SET FOR 11TH SEPTEMBER

4.24.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Aug 2007

The Conservative Mayor will decide whether to allow the disposal of the public open space for the proposed balloon at Tor Abbey Meadows at a Cabinet meeting on 11th September it has emerged.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council, Cllr Steve Darling, has lodged an objection to the disposal of the land.

The deadline for objections was the 20th August, and it is understood that Cllr Darling's objection joins 427 members of the public who have signed a petition and 17 members of the public who have written in against the disposal of the land.

Cllr Darling's letter of objection says:

"Please not my objection to the disposal of the above public open space (Abbey Gardens) to facilitate the establishment of a balloon attraction one Torquay sea front.

In particular it is wrong to hive off an area of public open space for a single attraction in the Tor Abbey meadows area. This could be the thin end of a wedge of reducing the gardens and meadows viability on Torquay sea front.

Secondly, the land proposed to be disposed of will significantly affect the gardens and reduce the beauty of this area for both visitor and locals alike.

Finally, it is important to maintain a significant area of public open space adjacent to Torquay's main beach. This ensures the beach has an open nature to it where buildings have mostly been kept from crowding up to the roadside."

Cllr Steve Darling said, " I would encourage anyone who has concerns on this issue despite the deadline for objections passing, to contact the Conservative Elected Mayor to make sure he comes to the correct decision. I would also encourage anyone who can to come to the Cabinet meeting on the 11th September at 5.30pm in the Town Hall.