Stoke Traders and Residents Association (STAR Association) held their first meeting under the new chairmanship of Andrew Bray on May 9 at The Stoke Inn. The committee of six welcome all residents and traders from the Stoke area to attend these meetings where they can learn about the group’s plans in addition to sharing their own views and ideas.
Priorities were discussed at the meeting which include improving two-way communications with both residents and traders, seeing the CCTV project through to having a fully functioning system join the network and restoring the planters in Devonport Road.
an ideal opportunity to meet residents and share ideas
The forthcoming Summer Fun Day, set for Saturday July 21 in The Blockhouse Park and on to Masterman Road, will give the volunteers an ideal opportunity to meet residents and share ideas. The event is running from 11am to 6pm with a full programme of live entertainment in ‘The Blockhouse Park Music Marquee’ and separately on ‘The Street Stage’ in Masterman Road. In addition to the craft stalls there will be a food tent. Stoke Youth and Community Centre will provide light refreshments. Steve Bowen, the former Chairman, is to head a specialist group committed to redevelopment of The Blockhouse Park. Plans will be available to view at the Fun Day where visitors will be encouraged to share their opinions and ideas. Andrew is keen to engage with the local traders separately and has the full support of the group to meet business owners.
With regards to the CCTV, following a positive meeting in March with representatives from the police, Plymouth City Council, local Councillors and Police Commissioners Office the committee is hopeful for a positive resolution very soon. The next meeting is scheduled for June 26 when Plymouth City Council will report back on the progress made.
Many visitors to Stoke Village will have noticed two of the planters suffered damage; one so severely it had to be removed. Currently, plans are underway to have that one replaced and to secure some new plants for all of them. STAR Association is keen to hear from anyone able to maintain the planters; the more the merrier.
The next open meeting will take place on June 13 at The Stoke Inn, Devonport Road, starting at 5.30pm. July’s meeting will be on July 11, again at 5.30pm, following a ‘clean up’ operation of Stoke Village and The Blockhouse Park which will start at 4pm. Everyone living and working in the area is welcome to join the volunteers at 4pm and is encouraged to attend the meeting afterwards. Both are an ideal opportunity to meet their neighbours and help forge a unique Village Community Spirit, whist living within a City.
Anyone wishing to volunteer or needing more information can contact STAR Association via their Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/StokeStars/ or by emailing the Chairman Andrew Bray on braya43@hotmail.com
