April has been another busy and productive month representing South West Devon. From announcing the winner of the best pub in South West Devon – a celebration of our region’s vibrant hospitality sector and the hardworking local businesses at its heart – to commemorating the investiture of a new Stannator at Harewood House.
This month has marked an incredible opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate this incredible place we get to call home.
READ THE LAST REBECCA’S REVIEW HERE
As we head into May and mark the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, it is a time to reflect on the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who served during the Second World War.
Across South West Devon, I know many will be attending events and taking moments of remembrance to honour those who gave so much to secure peace in Europe. These commemorations are not only acts of remembrance, but also reminders of the enduring importance of community resilience and national unity.
Of course, not all of April has been without challenge. Following the burst water pipe that affected many of my constituents and Beryl’s decision to cut back on services in Plympton and Plymstock, I have been urging relevant parties to take action to give residents the long-term support and help they need.
I will continue to fight for your corner in Westminster and here at home, holding service providers to account, supporting local businesses, and championing the issues that matter most to you and your family.
As always, if you’d like to book a surgery or just share your concerns over email, please do get in touch at rebecca.smith.mp@parliament.uk
Read on to hear about my work for our area in a bit more detail!
5. Supporting residents after burst water pipe
Last month’s burst water pipe in Dousland disrupted supplies across PL6, PL7, PL19 and PL20. While I welcome South West Water’s updates, serious concerns remain.
Many residents struggled to get clear information, and vulnerable households and care homes reported not receiving promised water deliveries, despite being on the Priority Services Register. I’ve asked South West Water to explain what went wrong and how they plan to improve response times and communication in the future.
I’m also aware water bills have recently gone up, partly because the £50 government rebate, introduced by the Conservatives in 2010 to offset the cost of summer tourism, has been removed by this Labour Government. With higher bills, residents rightly expect better service.
If you or someone you know may need extra support during future disruptions, please register with South West Water’s Priority Services here:
www.southwestwater.co.uk/priority-services
4. Celebrating the investiture of Plympton’s new Stannator and Youth Ambassador
I had the great honour of attending the Investiture Ceremony at Harewood House at the end of April, a truly special evening that celebrated community, service, and the next generation of local leadership in Plympton.
It was a privilege to witness Cathy Loft being formally installed as our new Stannator and Grace Nicholls appointed as Youth Ambassador. These are important roles that carry real responsibility, and I have every confidence that Cathy and Grace will serve our community with passion, dedication, and integrity.
The evening was also a time to give heartfelt thanks to outgoing Stannator David Partridge and Youth Ambassador Christopher Turner. Their contributions have made a lasting impact.
3. The London Inn – voted best pub in South West Devon!
I was delighted to congratulate Landlord Simon, Assistant Manager Jeannine, and the rest of the team at The London Inn Plympton for being crowned the best pub in South West Devon!
With more than 500 votes for my competition to find the best pub in South West Devon, The London Inn came out on top, despite facing stiff competition from many other fantastic local establishments. It is clear from reading all the submissions how much locals value the welcoming staff, friendly atmosphere, selection of drinks, and live entertainment at the pub.
The London Inn is truly a community hub where friends and families gather to enjoy each other’s company and the best of local hospitality. From its warm and inviting environment to its dedication to supporting local events, it’s no surprise that The London Inn has earned this well-deserved recognition.
2. Raising concerns about Beryl’s Plymouth service cuts
I was deeply concerned to learn about the scaling back of Beryl’s Plymouth service after Beryl had announced they would be ‘consolidating the service area’, removing Plympton and Plymstock from coverage. Many local residents contacted me with their concerns, and I share their frustration.
These changes not only cut off residents in Plympton and Plymstock from using the service, but also exposed them to potential charges for leaving hired bikes at previously approved Beryl Bays now outside the reduced service area. The out-of-zone fee for 24+ hours was an unacceptable £80.
In response, I contacted Beryl directly to seek assurances on behalf of residents and to challenge their decision to withdraw from key areas of the city. Since being elected, I have met with groups like the Plymouth Cycling Campaign Forum to push for better cycling infrastructure across South West Devon, and I believe this move by Beryl undermines progress. I will of course share any response I receive from Beryl on my social media platforms and will continue to speak up for local residents who rely on sustainable transport options.
1. VE Day 80 – An opportunity to share local community events
This year marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, and many people including myself attended remembrance events across the area which took place on May 8 as the Chronicle went to press.
The Broadway in Plymstock celebrated with a day of community performances with 1940s songs from local school choirs, dancing by Goosewell Primary, and live music from the Military Kids Choir and Plymstock School students. A fantastic day of remembrance and celebration.
There was a special evening hosted by The Royal British Legion at the Union Inn, Plympton which included a short service and the lighting of the VE-Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace, joining communities across the UK, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man in remembering the day fighting in Europe came to an end in WWII. Events like these are a powerful reminder of the strength of our local communities and the values that continue to unite us today.
Let’s honour the past – and celebrate the freedom we enjoy because of it!
As ever, don’t forget to email me if there is anything I can do to assist –rebecca.smith.mp@parliament.uk or call 01753 335666.
