The controversy over the long-term closure of Colesdown Hill in Plympton has made headline news in the national press and on TV – and residents are still angry over Plymouth City Council’s handling of the situation.
Plymouth City Council explains reasons for 14-month road closure
Following publication of the story in last month’s Chronicle a Plymouth City Council spokesperson said:
“We completely understand and empathise with the residents of Colesdown Hill. We know that these works will cause disruption and for that we again apologise.
“The 14-month closure for traffic is required due to the limited space to work in and the number of pipes and cables in the road and the need to keep Colesdown Hill open for pedestrians and we are doing everything we can to minimise the duration of the closure.
“The requirement for this walking and cycling route is identified in the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan and the Local cycling and walking infrastructure plan – both of these policy documents were consulted on.
“The scheme was consulted on through the usual planning process and was widely publicised on the council’s website and through the local media. There was not a separate consultation on the closure itself because there were no other options to put to residents.
“South West Water wrote to residents about the first four weeks of the closure in early January and as soon as traffic management requirements were finalised and the scheme approved, we wrote to residents to inform them of the plans.
“To maximise the notice period for residents, the letters were hand-delivered on 19 January, rather than posted.
Diversion signs and support measures explained
“Diversion signs are in place and emergency services, waste services and Wayfinding apps have been notified.
“We have been talking to people with a high level of dependency on care and deliveries and will continue these conversations to see if there is anything further we can do to help.
“The building of this scheme is important to the long-term development of the off-road facility that links Plymstock, Elburton and Sherford with the city centre, which in places is used for over 700 journeys a day.
“When the previous phase of the scheme was constructed, we received significant criticism from those with disabilities as the current path is not accessible for them. We think that it is important that the path can be used by everyone.”
Residents challenge council claims over disruption and consultation
Having seen the City Council’s statement local residents challenged many of the comments and continued their protests with main concerns over the short notice given (21 days) and the impact on journey times to schools, GPs, pharmacies and other essential services – which involves a five mile detour.
Five-mile diversion sparks anger among Colesdown Hill households
Since the work began residents have also complained over the impact of daily movement of heavy vehicles and have claimed that they have witnessed at least seven days where no workmen have been seen.
One resident commented:
“There seems to be no sense of urgency to these works given the harm being caused to residents. The council constantly minimises the issue to residents by this closure as mere disruption.
Residents disagree, this is more than a disruption that is causing harm to residents – emotionally, worry and financial impact of the five mile detour.
She added:
“None of the vulnerable residents that featured in the Chronicle have received any contact from Plymouth City Council to check how they are, or offer support.
In fact residents have not seen one of the three Labour ward councillors since the February meeting that was called in haste, giving residents just two working days to make arrangements to attend.”
Row grows as Colesdown Hill story hits national news
The value and cost of the scheme – which attracted national press coverage – is also being challenged by residents who claim that a 100 metre ramp could have been used instead of a 160 metre pathway and underbridge costing £3.8 million.
Council disputes claims about lack of workers on site
Responding to the claim by residents about work not taking place on several days, the council spokesperson said:
“This is incorrect in terms of the numbers of days where there have not been workers. There have been occasions where work has finished sooner than utility companies had expected and where that has happened, the contractor has done its very best to bring forward other work in order to maximise efficiency.”
In response to claims that vulnerable local residents had not been contacted, the spokesperson said: “This is not a fair reflection. Our officers have been in touch with a number of residents over the past few weeks.
Councillor Stephens is a regular visitor to the area and has spoken to residents on these visits.”
Accessibility concerns behind £3.8m walking and cycling scheme
Suggestions that a ramp, rather than an under bridge, could have been installed at a much lower cost, the spokesperson said:
“This wouldn’t have been in line with Department for Transport guidance. Due to the gradients of Colesdown Hill, it would not have been accessible for some users with physical disabilities. The Department for transport have part funded the scheme.
“When the previous phase of the scheme was constructed, we received significant criticism from those with disabilities, especially Endeavour Cycle Club for injured veterans, because the current path is not accessible for them.
Disability group backs new cycle route despite disruption
“Recently a spokesman for the club told us: ‘When the last phase of the path was built that ended in steps, I made very clear to the Council that I was upset for the injured veterans all of my club and everyone else with physical disabilities who were excluded from this path by the steps.
We are very relieved and excited that construction on the next phase is underway. We do understand how the residents feel and the difficulties that they are facing for the next 13 months, but this extension of the path will open up a fantastic route of several kilometres for my members, mobility scooter, wheelchair and pushchair users. We do think it will be worth it in the long run.’ ”
Billacombe Villas residents report debris and tyre punctures
Meanwhile complaints from residents of Billacombe Villas at the bottom of Colesdown Hill about debris from the site works are being investigated by Plymouth City Council.
Source: Adobe Stock
It is reported that a number of residents have experienced punctures in tyres caused by debris on the work site not being cleared properly. In response workmen are working harder to keep the area clearer.
It is also claimed that some residents have not had their bins emptied due to confusion over the road closure.
Colesdown Hill row is far from over
Despite the council’s reassurances, frustration among residents shows little sign of easing as work continues on the scheme.
With more than a year of disruption still ahead, many in the Colesdown Hill community say they will continue pressing Plymouth City Council for clearer communication, greater support for vulnerable residents and reassurance that the works are progressing with urgency.
