Councillors representing communities across Budshead & Honicknowle have shared the latest updates from their wards, including news that a local councillor will soon become the city’s next Lord Mayor.
The latest community column highlights progress on projects in Budshead and Honicknowle, from securing funding to bring the Knife Angel to Plymouth and plans for a new zebra crossing in Whitleigh, to environmental work along Ernesettle’s coastline and a major volunteer clean-up that removed more than 100 bags of litter from woodland.
Honoured and proud to be the next Lord Mayor with Councillor Kevin Sproston
It would be remiss of me not to start with the big news that I have been kindly voted into be the next Lord Mayor Designate of Plymouth. This role is an incredible honour, and I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me by the people of this vibrant city.
For years, I have been dedicated to serving Plymouth, and now I have a chance to lead it toward an even brighter future.
I look forward to working with community groups, businesses, and residents especially furthermore in the Budshead Ward, this time in the Lord Mayor capacity as well.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey, I can say I’m honestly excited to get started in May.
In addition, I am absolutely elated to announce that, after many years of effort, I was able to secure the funding for the Knife Angel to be installed in the heart of Plymouth working with the fantastic Cabinet member for safety and the council.
This project has been a personal mission since I started my public service. I still remember my first couple of weeks in office, when a knife attack shook the community in Whitleigh.
That moment drove me to believe that prevention is more powerful than reaction and became the basis of inspiration to make change, not just for Budshead ward but across the city.
The Knife Angel stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence, but also as a beacon of hope. I’m so proud that this art and funding will help educate and inspire young people and provide a crucial tool in deterring knife crime.
This is a milestone for Plymouth, and I am so grateful to be part of this change.
Calls continue for new Derriford play park after parents raise concerns with Councillor Alison Simpson
Budshead is a varied ward, with fantastic community pride in every part of it. Getting out and about, and meeting people is the best part of a councillor’s role.
Now the weeks of rain have gone and the weather is warming up, it is even better.
In recent weeks I have been out and about with our local election candidate Howard, reporting in problems, and generally doing our best to keep on top of issues in the area. As an elected councillor I have a direct line to the Councillor Casework system and can push for swift action and good outcomes.
Other exciting things have been happening within the Budshead Labour team.
My friend and colleague Councillor Kevin Sproston is going to be the Lord Mayor for Plymouth from May this year. This is well deserved and he brings huge community experience and achievements to the role. He is always bursting with great ideas and I know he will be amazing.
We have been working on bigger, longer-lasting projects for the area, and are delighted that a zebra crossing is soon to be installed on Budshead Road in front of Whitleigh Green.
I have been pushing for a play park in Derriford, after a group of local mums approached me to ask for my help with this. I have heard some positive noises from the council but we are not there yet, so I will keep this issue on the radar.
I am pleased to be a new member of the Taxi Licensing Committee. This is a huge responsibility which is there to keep people safe and I am pleased to play my part. I continue to sit on other committees – such as Licensing and Health and Adult Social Care, and am also pleased to continue as a board member of Four Greens Community Trust and Plymouth Community Homes.
Coastline, cabs and community with Councillor Keith Moore
Ernesettle forms approximately a third of Honicknowle ward and carries a special responsibility. We are custodians of one of the prettiest stretches of nature-rich coastline in Plymouth – a remarkable blue and green corridor that deserves careful stewardship.
Working alongside Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, the Friends of Ernesettle Creek & Budshead Wood, and my ward colleague Councillor Ray Morton, I find few things more satisfying than contributing to the protection and enjoyment of these wonderful natural spaces.
National Marine Park funding has been secured to restore the Headland Path, with work expected to begin soon. Whether it’s supporting conservation efforts, championing public access, or simply listening to residents who care deeply about their local environment, this is community work at its most rewarding.
Away from the coastline, I’m proud to serve as Chair of the Taxi Licensing Committee. The volume of work coming before the committee has increased significantly, with the number of meetings almost doubling compared to previous years.
Much of that growth can be attributed to the arrival of Uber in Plymouth. The platform has generated substantial interest in becoming a licensed taxi driver, bringing a significant increase in new applications and the regulatory questions that come with them.
Ensuring that standards are maintained, that the public are protected, and that the process is fair keeps the committee busy and the work genuinely interesting.
Both roles, different as they are, share a common thread: accountability to the people of Honicknowle and Plymouth. Whether protecting a stretch of coastline or scrutinising a taxi licence application, the standard we hold ourselves should be the same.
Volunteers remove 102 bags of litter and 28 tyres in Honicknowle clean-up with Councillor Ray Morton
On a cold spring morning at Rothesay Gardens in Honicknowle, Plymouth, a sharp contrast to the warm sunshine remembered from the same time last year we gathered for another Clean Our Patch session.
A dedicated group of volunteers – Fiona, Tina, Paul, Pete, Mel, Martin, El, Ash and I were undeterred by the chill.
El had already warned us this would be a ‘grot spot,’ and as we arrived, it was clear she hadn’t exaggerated. Before us lay a shocking fly-tip, scattered across a steep, unmanaged bank in Woodland Wood.
Rubbish was tangled in undergrowth, buried beneath leaves, and strewn down the slope, making the task feel daunting at first glance.
But as we got to work, something shifted. What began as an overwhelming job slowly became purposeful and even enjoyable. We cut back brambles just to reach the waste, uncovering hidden layers of debris.
Amid the mess, there were signs of life: two badger setts were identified, and we were pleased to see, as we cleared rubbish, that a wildlife trail reappeared after previously being blocked by discarded car tyres.
These jobs are never easy, and at one point El stopped us all and asked us to pause and look at how much we had already achieved. It was a real boost to see the difference we were making. It was also encouraging to see bluebells starting to appear. Clearing the litter will make it far easier for wildlife to move around and forage safely.
Our determined volunteers worked tirelessly on this arduous task and, by the end of the session, a few backs were certainly beginning to ache.
The final tally was impressive: 102 bags of litter and 28 tyres removed from the site. Among the more unusual finds were a unicorn and even a kitchen sink!
We also collected bundles of wire looms, plastic piping and hose, along with old television sets and VCRs.
If you’d like to get involved, look out for Clean Our Patch on Facebook, where upcoming events and dates are listed. All litter picking equipment is provided – just bring your own gloves.
