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.