The bay economy tops the list of priorities among residents, it is being claimed.
Two years ago, the public's biggest concerns were crime followed by the need for the Kingskerswell bypass.Now it appears there has been a noticeable shift in public opinion towards getting the Bay economy rolling again, according to Torbay Conservative Parliamentary candidate Marcus Wood.
He says the change is shown in an Bay-wide online survey.
He says now 43 per cent name the local economy and tourism as the most important issue in the Bay today, with only 26 per cent who name the bypass as the 'most important'.
Mr Wood said: "This is a very interesting shift.
"For some time we have been arguing the only way to improve the quality of life in Torbay for all residents is to create a thriving economy which in turn brings the money into the area which can then provide all the other things we need like decent services and proper maintenance and repair.
"If the economy isn't right then quite quickly the place can go into a downhill spiral.
"If we can just get the priorities right with a bit of public support the place can fly."
He says residents were divided over whether or not to have a casino, with 58 per cent saying it was important and 42 per cent saying it wasn't.
"Obviously online surveys have limitations, they are only available to people with access to the internet for a start, but we are so pleased with the response, with nearly a third of those invited to take part doing so."
He said the Conservatives are currently trying to raise money to organise a Bay-wide postal survey along similar lines.
