Rick Heyse - Radical Rants

Thoughts of a green thinking social liberal activist  

Recent Blog Posts

I speak out on the financial neglect and democratic deficit of Paignton

Cuts to police and PCSO numbers have coincided with an increase in crime. What has been offered are cosmetic solutions which is not good enough.

I'm pleased to be part of the Lib Dem team to contest next year's local elections. In this posting I highlight some of my priorities.

After almost 30 years of a Tory dominated town hall, Crossways remains in decline and a blot in the heart of Paignton's landscape.

Execellent letter to the Herald Express by Torbay Lib Dem Councillor, Swithin Long.

Steve Darling, Lib Dem group leader on Torbay Council, recent excellent letter in the Herald Express on police cuts.

A little out of the box thinking on the future for Oldway and Tor2

Unlike the Mayor I think Oldway has a future and I think it should include our future local tradespeople in renovation and maintenance work

Why the community should not be ignored on Paignton Harbour

Paignton's proposed Park hotel development has received criticism but I feel it's key to the town's regeneration

Welcome to my Radical Rants Blog

 For those that don't know me, I would class myself as a political and community activist, having stood in local elections where I live in Paignton on four separate occasions as well as being active over the years in a number of community based campaigns. In  January 2018 I joined the Liberal Democrats, as I felt it offered a common sense approach and a programme of fairness, social justice and opportunity for all.  In addition to this I have held the position of Communications Officer with the local Trades Council and was the founder member and original chairperson of the St. Michael's Community Association in Paignton.


The contents of this blog are mainly political. I confess I have been a bit of a 'political traveller' over the years, but I have remained passionate on issues concerning the environment, animal welfare, peace, social justice and workers rights. Although I am now very much politically settled, I admit to having trodden many paths on which to tackle the issues that concern me,  but always my principles have remained unchanged.  I am also supportive of  self determination, decentralisation and regionalism. This includes recognising the national status of Cornwall..


Away from politics I enjoy  gardening and I'm lucky enough to work as a gardener in addition to writing my column for the Torbay Times.  I enjoy the great outdoors, music, art (I also paint and sell my work), the theatre, social history, my motorcycles and watching a number of sports. I am also a Trustee and occasional Service Leader at Torquay Unitarian Church.


Views and posts on this blog are written in my own capacity and therefore do not necessarily reflect those of any organisation I am involved with. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Rick  

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