Community Project

A large number of volunteers worked for four weekends last November 2009 to clear a site left derelict by the Council for four years. They dug up and cut down vegatation which had been left to run rampant by the Council. Approimately 200 rubbish bags were filled with weeds, rubbish and fly tipped concrete from the site known as the tennis courts at West Hoe Park.

Once the site had been cleared donations of plants, turf and gravel were used to transfrom the weed and rubbish clogged site into something more in keeping with one of the most beautiful foreshores in the UK.

Passersby stopped and commented on the improvements and even joined in with the clear up and it was clear from the car horn support and comments that most people approved of the work being done. (see Friends of West Hoe Park picutres 1 to 19)

However, the Council did not share in this community based action. Apparently, even though they would not take any action to tidy up the area they now require someone to take responsibility for the tidy up. They have been writing to the Friends of West Hoe Park requesting them to sign a licence and take responsiblity for insurance and payment of all other outgoings as well as indemnify the City Council from and against all actions, costs, proceeding, claims and demands which may arise.

As this Friends is a group of volunteers who care about their community and park they are not in a position to access the type of funds required for this kind of licence, indeed all the work undertaken was completed through non-monetary donations.

Although the Council have not threatened legal action they have stated that if no-one will accept their offer of a licence they will, when funds become available, return the site to its original condition.
The Friends have pointed out that a large number of people from across the city took part in this clear up and almost everyone thinks it is an improvement on what was there before. Look at the picutres and judge for yourself and let us know your thoughts through this blog.

Clean Up Continues

Following on from the previous Sunday, a few "hardy perenials" among us continued the previous week's work and cleared some more of the site of the former tennis courts. This included clearing stones from the patch around the sign to enable us to proceed with our plans to spruce up the area. Over thirty bags of weeds and rubble were cleared - so much that the council used a tractor to help us remove them!

The next stage of the improvement plans will take place at 11am on Sunday 18th October when we will be planting daffodils in the park. All are welcome to come and help - no experience or tools required, we can use all the help we can get.

West Hoe Park Clean-up Commences!

Last Sunday (27th September), more than 20 willing volunteers came to the park and started to clear some of the overgrown areas in front of the Gus Honeybun trains. Work started at 11am and thanks to the tremendous efforts of all involved (ages ranged from 4 to late eighties!!) the patch of waste ground was entirely cleared, ready for the next stage of improving the appearance of the park. We were fortunate enough to have good weather - although those that took longer shifts with one of the pick-axes may have enjoyed slightly cooler conditions!! Thanks go to Janet, for keeping the workers fed and watered all day and for Steve at The Waterfront for his hospitality, which ensured we all "imbibed" (some more than others) later on in the evening.

Next Sunday (4th October) we will be gathering again at 11am, at the park to continue the clear up.

100 at West Hoe protest

The following article appeared on the thisisplymouth.co.uk website, regarding the recent Friends of West Hoe Park campaign meeting held on the 7th of September 2009:

"ALMOST 100 people turned up to a meeting in West Hoe to speak out against any plans to build flats, offices and shops on the site of former tennis courts...."

Click here for the rest of the article

Group will fight plans to build on hoe park

The following article appeared on the thisisplymouth.co.uk website, regarding opposition to Plymouth Council plans to sell off part of West Hoe Park for development:

"RESIDENTS have banded together to fight any plans to build flats, offices and shops on the site of former tennis courts at West Hoe...."

Click here for the rest of the article

Letter to the Plymouth Herald

Click here to see an open letter from the Friends of West Hoe Park to the Plymouth Herald, sent in response to the article in the Herald on the 12th of August concerning the sale of the West Hoe Park tennis courts.

Linda Gilroy Supports Campaign to Save West Hoe Park

The campaign to save West Hoe Park gets backing from local MP Linda Gilroy:

"Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy has joined local campaigners in fighting to save West Hoe Park..."

Click here for further information.