Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust goes into liquidation
The Trust said Occombe Farm, which it manages, will close immediately
Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, which manages Occombe Farm in Paignton, has announced it is going into liquidation due to financial difficulties.
Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust (TCCT) has said in a statement that it is to cease trading immediately.
The Trust also said Occombe Farm, which it manages, will close immediately.
TCCT has managed Council-owned land and green spaces on behalf of the community since its formation in 1999.
In a statement the TCCT said "the gap between our generated income and what it costs to care for these places has grown to the point where we can no longer continue."
Barbara King, Chair of Trustees at TCCT said:
“This is an incredibly sad and difficult time. For more than two decades, our team of staff and volunteers have poured their hearts into caring for the places that make Torbay so special.
"We have done everything possible to secure TCCT’s future, but despite our best efforts, the financial challenges have become too great.
"I want to thank every member, partner, supporter, and volunteer who has stood alongside us. While this chapter closes, the legacy of care, connection, and conservation that the Trust leaves behind will remain part of Torbay’s landscape for generations to come.”
TCCT added that they are working on the formal liquidation process and the liquidators will be in touch with all relevant parties soon.
Torbay council have responded to the news that TCCT has been put into liquidation and said in a statement its closure would have a "wide -reaching impact on the community, particularly on the dedicated staff and volunteers who have supported its mission."
Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said; "We are saddened to learn that the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, an independent conservation charity, has made the difficult decision to cease operating. For many years, the Trust has played a vital role in managing green spaces across the Bay through a long-term arrangement with the Council. The closure of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust will have a significant and deeply felt impact on the people who were employed at sites across the Bay. In the coming weeks, we will be taking time to understand the full implications of this news and what it means for the future of these important spaces and initiatives”.
Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said; “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible volunteers whose dedication and hard work have helped conserve and enhance over 1,700 acres of Torbay's natural spaces, care for animals and wildlife, and welcome visitors across the Bay. We recognise the vital role volunteering plays in enriching lives and strengthening communities, and we hope new opportunities arise in the future whereby the volunteers can continue to make an impact and build connections with others.
“Over the years, staff have poured their expertise, passion, and care into protecting green spaces, supporting sustainable farming, educating communities, and enriching lives. We acknowledge the uncertainty this brings and extend our sincere appreciation to every member of the team for their invaluable contributions".
Torbay Council said they will assess the impact of the Trust's closure and explore future options for the maintenance of Torbay’s natural assets