This month, Plymstock councillors have been busy working alongside residents, community groups and local services to make a difference across neighbourhoods.
From supporting the work of the Elburton & District Residents Association and championing road safety near schools, to recognising unpaid carers and improving public spaces, it’s been a month of collaboration, compassion and practical action for Plymstock Councillors
Whether it’s helping reinstate a much-needed bus shelter, backing community Speed Watch initiatives, or sharing personal stories that reflect the challenges local people face, councillors from Dunstone and Radford wards continue to be visible, engaged and committed to the wellbeing of Plymstock. Read on for individual updates from Cllrs John Stephens, Maria Lawson and Daniel Steel.
Read The Previous Plymstock Post Column Here
Update from Cllr John Stephens for Plymstock Dunstone
As I write this, Wimbledon has just started, and the sun is shining, and it is hot in Plymstock.
The start of this day saw me observing pedestrian and vehicle movements around a city primary school along with the local ward councillors and a Schools Road Safety officer. It was my fifth school observation in eight days and what I saw both encouraged and annoyed me. Lots of children were cycling or walking to school with friends or an adult.
Some had parked further away from the school to make the school site safer and less congested, and to add a walk at the start of the day. The annoyance came from drivers who chose to park on double yellow lines, school clear zones, on junction bends or in the middle of the road. Sounds familiar? It should do as it happens near virtually every school in the land.
But if demonstrates bad choices which are passed on to children as the norm and works against the hard work schools do to urge considerate and safe behaviour around schools, no matter how far or near people live from the school.
I returned from the school on a bus which stopped outside Plymstock Library where bus users were grateful for the new bus shelter. Many people had asked for this to be re-instated after the decision to remove it. After many meetings last year, I was pleased the council recognised the need for a replacement due to increased bus passenger numbers. Ironically, as most bus users wanted it to be sheltered from typical Plymouth weather, on this occasion the three users I chatted with were grateful for the shelter as it provided protection from the sun.
I was glad to notice that Stanborough Road was being prepared for surface repairs down the middle in sections that have been eroded, and also that Speedwatch was to focus on Stanborough Road first. Many residents have contacted and met with myself and Cllr. Lawson because of their concerns about its deteriorating surface in places and the speed and behaviour of some drivers along the route.
Once I crossed the road, I called into Plymstock Library for a coffee and to discuss the planned wildlife area they are working on thanks to community grant contributions from all six Plymstock local councillors.
And to top the morning off, two residents came up to me to pass on thanks to the council for the way the grass has been cut this year. Out and about in the ward is the best way to see how residents, organisations and councillors can work together to bring about improvements and changes. It is not always possible but when they do, it feels like Game, Set and Match! Now back to Wimbledon on TV.
Here’s wishing you all a good summer.
Update from Cllr Daniel Steel for Plymstock Radford
With all the doom and gloom out there, I wanted to share some recent things that have made me feel positive.
Firstly, Carers’ Week in June shone a spotlight on over six million unpaid carers across the UK. It made me think of my grandma – my second mum – who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last year. Since her diagnosis I’ve changed my work pattern to be able to support her, and I’ve had to make endless calls to adult social care and other services.
I’ve learned what so many carers face day-to-day, the need to navigate a complex system while doing your best for your loved one. She has faced her diagnosis with strengthen, humour, and an unbreakable spirit. Her determination to remain independent inspires me, and I cherish each good day we share together. And if you’re wondering why I’ve put an emoji over her face it’s because while I’ve chosen to be in public life, she has not! Secondly, I attended the inaugural Corporate Parenting Board of the municipal year.
For those who might not know, the Corporate Parenting Board plays a vital role in making sure the council delivers for our care-experienced children and young people. It brings together councillors, partner organisations like the NHS, children’s social care staff, foster care ambassadors — and, most importantly, care-experienced young people themselves. We were joined by two exceptional care-experienced young people. They helped shape the Corporate Parenting Strategy ‘The Sky’s the Limit.’ Their insight and courage – challenging both officers and councillors – reminded me that real change springs from lived experience.
Finally, I want to give a shoutout to all the other Clean Our Patch volunteers but especially Mike Kinsey. He has been sorting out the bins at Mounbatten. His simple mantra ‘the answer isn’t more bins, it’s you brought it, you take it home!’ is a reminder is about respect: small acts of care for our shared spaces.
From caring for loved ones to amplifying young voices and keeping our streets tidy, these stories show that compassion and commitment – big or small – makes our community a better place for us all.
Update from Cllr Maria Lawson for Plymstock Dunstone
One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a councillor is working with community groups and residents’ associations.
As councillors, we appreciate their hard work and dedication. The Dunstone Councillors are co-opted members of Elburton & District Residents Association (EDRA). Jonathon and Bob explain below the valuable contributions the resident’s association bring to the local community.
‘The Elburton and District Residents Association (EDRA) is a community-based group of volunteers who live in Elburton and its district. It has served the community for over 50 years and works to protect and enhance the character and amenities of Elburton both physically and socially for the wellbeing of the residents.
It observes planning and other proposals which affect the area, and challenges ones which threaten local character and amenities. We work with the local councillors, police, city council, developers and traders to maintain and improve the character of the village’.
‘We have our own Facebook site which is used by the community to share information and local activity. We regularly run a gardening task force of local volunteers who have enhanced the local car park area and shops through landscaping, weeding and planting.
‘Based on residents’ feedback on the Facebook site, we have successfully lobbied the Plymouth City Council Traffic Enforcement team to regularly visit and enforce any parking contraventions. EDRA engages with the local councillors on an array of matters via a monthly meeting which lead to successful outcomes for the community.
‘EDRA has organised a Christmas Fair for many years and is working with local traders to organise the 2025 event. EDRA continues to campaign for action against anti-social and other criminal activities with Devon and Cornwall Police. Over several years EDRA advocated that Sherford Consortium install a footpath/cycleway for public safety on Sherford Road which is now in process, along with traffic calming on the road’.
Please visit EDRA’s Facebook page. I would be more than happy to forward resident’s details if you would like to be involved and do not have access to social media.
Another group about to be launched in Plymstock is the Plymstock Speed Watch Team, who will be out and about soon promoting road safety. Please contact me if you are interested in joining.
