A once thriving seaside town that was visited by thousands of tourists each year has been described as a “ghost town”.
Torquay has been called “the saddest place in all of Devon”, as locals blame the closure of shops like Wilko and Next.
Resident Samantha Neal said that Torquay is facing a problem as they raise the very real question of how the town can survive, reports DevonLive.
She said: “Torquay is facing a problem like many around the UK. The high street is struggling to survive. Can the town be saved? What plans are in place? What would you like to see? A fruit and veg stand, More clothes shops or gift shops?
“The sight of empty shops is not a fabulous look. Walking around the town before Wilko was closed, the shocking thing is what shoppers look for in bargains, and it takes a shop to close permanently before the public goes to that store.
“People may miss a shop and what you take away from it; memories. But we all wish the shops we knew could stay.”
Torquay was once described as the “capital of the English Riviera” but has suffered since the pandemic with a number of attractions closing down.
Living Coasts, home to a variety of seabirds and coastal wildlife, has now been left abandoned after closing during lockdown.
Due to failing visitor numbers and the economic impact of the pandemic, the site was closed in June 2020.
Recent statistics show the town also has a high crime rate. Crimerate.co.uk describes Torquay as the “most dangerous medium-sized town in Devon” and states it is among the top five most dangerous overall out of Devon’s 403 towns, villages and cities.
Despite its struggle, the town still offers a number of things for visitors to do.
There are numerous boat trips that run from the marina offering views of a number of coves, caves and limestone arches.
Torquay Harbour also offers a range of eateries, including independent restaurants and cafes serving afternoon tea and traditional pub lunches.
Kents Cavern has been named the number one attraction in the area, allowing visitors into a prehistoric cave.
The council hopes to turn things around for the once bustling seaside resort, offering a Town Investment Plan that sets out a regeneration scheme for the town.
