In this week’s Councillors’ Column, ward councillors from Budshead and Honicknowle outline the latest actions and decisions affecting residents across the north of Plymouth.
Updates include progress on a long-awaited zebra crossing at Whitleigh Green, community safeguarding work with the NSPCC in Ernesettle, support for local groups through community grants, and steps to improve safety and accessibility in public spaces.
Together, the column highlights how local casework and behind-the-scenes council decisions are shaping everyday life in neighbourhoods across the city.
4NSPCC Safeguarding Work and Community Safety Improvements in Ernesettle With Cllr Ray Morton
One of my proudest achievements as a ward councillor has been supporting a powerful, community-led safeguarding initiative in Ernesettle under the banner of the NSPCC’s Together for Childhood and the Breaking the Taboo campaign.
Working alongside Solomon’s Porch, the 31st Plymouth Ernesettle Scout Group and Friends of Ernesettle Creek & Budshead Wood, we helped create safe spaces for open conversations around child sexual abuse.
By challenging fear and shame and strengthening local support networks, this place-based project empowered families and residents to better protect children and young people.
As this chapter comes to a close, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the NSPCC team, staff, volunteers and local partners who made a real difference in our community.
I am also pleased to have swiftly supported a vital safety repair at the small sports pitch above the Ernesettle Scout Hut. After reporting a missing manhole cover to South West Water, the issue was quickly resolved.
This repair was urgently needed following a serious injury to a community member during a scouting event, and I was relieved to see the site made safe for everyone.
Finally, I was delighted to help the 31st Ernesettle Scouts secure a proper directional sign to their Scout Hut.
The group had been requesting this for some time, and it felt especially rewarding to support such a valued local organisation with a practical improvement that helps raise visibility and access for the wider community.
The work I’m proudest of is often about making practical changes that genuinely improve people’s everyday lives.
It is about listening, persisting, and delivering for the people of West Park, Honicknowle and Ernesettle – whether that means small safety measures or protecting much-loved community spaces.
Please feel free to email me at ray.morton@plymouth.gov.uk
3Whitleigh Green Set for New Zebra Crossing as Active Travel Plans Progress With Cllr Kevin Sproston
Well 2026 is starting full throttle and with some positive news!
I am pleased to announce that having had some great conversations with one of our Cabinet members, Whitleigh Green will be seeing a new zebra crossing this year, as one of the seven big Active Travel projects planned for by Plymouth City Council.
This development marks a significant step forward for our community, providing a safe and reliable means of crossing the road for everyone, especially our school children, pharmacy users, and to those utilising local business on the green. I am pleased that Budshead ward will be getting a good share of road and traffic improvements this year.
By providing a secure access point across the road, we are creating a more inclusive environment for all. This improvement aligns with our commitment to community safety and enhancing the quality of life for Whitleigh residents, something I have always been passionate about.
I am excited about the positive changes this zebra crossing will bring to Whitleigh Green. It’s always very easy to look at the little problems that often occur, I will always look to correct these issues. But I believe a good councillor is always thinking about making positive long-lasting changes as well as the day-to-day issues and I’m pleased that we have been able to get such improvements.
Whilst these take time, I believe it’s vital to making long-lasting and positive changes for the area.
As I say, community safety is key especially to secure a safer future for our children, so in addition to working collaboratively on this project. I have been co-working on a city-wide initiative regarding knife crime and awareness.
This will be looking at education and prevention and will have a key focus on schools and ensuring that we keep Plymouth a continued safe and friendly city. More on that soon!
In the meantime if you need to contact me, my email is kevin.sproston@plymouth.gov.uk
new grit bin
2Improving Safety, Accessibility and Protecting Knowle Battery Playing Fields With Cllr Keith Moore
One of the simplest yet most effective improvements has been the recent installation of a grit bin off Ringmore Way, with another due to be installed by highways at Cheriton Close.
These bins might seem minor, but the recent wintery mornings have shown they can make the difference between a safe journey and a serious fall. Knowing that pedestrians and drivers now have extra protection during cold weather is something I take real pride in.
Accessibility is another area where I believe I’ve made a tangible difference. Using funding from the Living Streets Grant, I was able to support residents in Catterick Close who had been stuck in what can only be described as an ‘accessibility island.’
The installation of a dropped kerb now allows wheelchair users, people with mobility aids, parents with pushchairs, and others to access their homes and local routes to the shops and bus routes safely and independently.
Alongside these smaller wins, I have also been focused on protecting larger shared spaces. Work is ongoing to add more bunds and locking posts at Knowle Battery playing fields to further restrict unauthorised access by the travelling community. Damage caused by previous encampments has meant disruption for local residents and temporary loss of access.
These fields were protected when I was growing up here as a child, and they should remain open, safe, and accessible for everyone to enjoy throughout the summer months.
Please feel free to email me at keith.moore@plymouth.gov.uk
1Supporting Local Voices and Community Groups Across Budshead Ward With Cllr Alison Simpson
Having spent most of my working life in social care, supporting people and standing up for those who need a voice has always mattered to me.
I’ve seen first-hand how decisions affect real lives, and that shapes everything I do as a councillor.
A councillor is there to represent the local community, so I try to be out in the ward as much as possible. Regular walks help me spot issues like potholes, damaged pavements and fly-tipping, but they’re also a great chance to stop and chat.
The casework which this can lead to, whether big or small, can make a huge difference to people, and it’s always rewarding to get a positive outcome for someone.
One of the best parts of the role is having access to a Community Grant, which I can use to support local groups. It’s been great to have been able to support Whitleigh Community Trust, Four Greens, Care Leavers and Plymouth Cricket Club in this way.
Away from the ward, I sit on scrutiny panels, including Health and Social Care, where I ask questions, challenge where needed and work to make sure services are doing what they’re meant to do.
I’m also involved in Licensing and other council responsibilities that most people don’t always see, but which play an important role in everyday life.
I’m also happy to step in and attend other committees when other councillors aren’t available, so that our area is still represented.
I also sit on external boards such as Plymouth Community Homes and Four Greens Community Trust.
These give me the chance to work alongside organisations that are making a real difference locally and to make sure residents’ concerns are fed back at the right level.
I’m here to help with any council issue – please contact me via email at alison.simpson@plymouth.gov.uk
