A £1.1 million transformation of Efford Youth Centre, new safety measures across the ward and fresh investment in community wellbeing are just some of the changes shaping life in Efford.
In this latest Councillors’ Column, Pauline Murphy, Paul McNamara and Neil Hendy share how these improvements are already making a difference, from giving young people a state-of-the-art space to tackling anti-social behaviour and responding to residents’ concerns.
Efford Youth Centre is such a great place for young people with Councillor Paul McNamara
It is an enormous privilege for an ordinary blue collar worker like myself to be able to represent Efford, Lipson,Laira, Deer Park and Crabtree as a local councillor.
My favourite part of the role is walking around our area with my colleagues whether knocking on doors, delivering leaflets or simply looking out for issues which need reporting.
It is especially pleasing when our pressure gets significant improvements for many residents. A good example of this being the recent, much needed, resurfacing of Efford Lane.
I must admit that attending meetings isn’t always the bit of the job I enjoy the most, but I do particularly enjoy the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Panel where I’m glad to have the opportunity to question our leaders, especially with regard to SEND provision and school attendance.
In the ward we have worked to secure many improvements which will greatly benefit our young people. We provided community grant funding for the refurbishment of Laira Green Primary school library, worked with the council and community policing team to ameliorate parking issues around High View School and secured funding for improved CCTV at Yeo Close Play Park.
Without doubt the biggest news for our younger residents is the £1.1 million upgrade to Efford Youth Centre on Blandford Road. When I was a youngster my youth club had a record player and not much else. Our young people have Formula 1 simulators, music studio, art room,sports court and so much more. I am very proud to be a small part of the team that has been able to provide our young people with such a brilliant,safe space.
If any resident has any issues which I may be able to help with please do not hesitate to get in touch. My email address is paul.mcnamara@plymouth.gov.uk
Good News Round-Up: Efford Lipson, Laira and Deer Park on the Up with Councillor Pauline Murphy
There’s plenty to feel positive about in Efford Lipson, Laira and Deer Park right now, with a range of improvements and community efforts helping to make the ward a safer, more connected, and welcoming place to live.
Safer streets with new CCTV
Residents will soon notice new CCTV cameras being installed in Yeo Close Park and the Torridge Way shops which will replace the ones currently in situ. These are aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and giving people extra confidence when out and about. It’s a simple change, but one that can make a big difference to how safe a neighbourhood feels day to day.
New Wellbeing Hub at Efford Library
Exciting things are happening at Efford Library, where a new Wellbeing Hub has been introduced. This space will offer support, advice, and activities focused on improving mental health and bringing people together. Whether it’s accessing services or just having a friendly place to go, it’s set to become a real asset for the community.
Young people speak up on dog fouling
Councillors recently sat down with the School Council at Laira Green Primary School – and it’s safe to say the pupils didn’t hold back! The topic under discussion was dog fouling around the school, something that affects their daily walk and playtime.
Together, we talked through practical ideas like better signage, awareness campaigns, and encouraging responsible dog ownership. It’s a great example of young voices being taken seriously and helping shape local action.
Pathway improvements and a lasting tribute
Work will start in the next few months to improve the pathway between Pike Road and Crabtree, making it easier and safer for residents to get around on foot and bicycles
In a touching tribute, the upgraded path will be named after Councillor Brian Vincent, who served the ward for many years with dedication before his passing in 2023. It’s a meaningful way to recognise his contribution and ensure his legacy lives on in the community he cared so much about.
Progress on bus service concerns
Public transport has also been high on the agenda. Many residents have raised concerns about Services 8, 9, 27 and 28 no longer serving Royal Parade, making journeys into the city centre more difficult.
Ward councillors have taken this seriously and have already spoken with the Cabinet Member to push these concerns forward. The good news is that changes are now in the pipeline, with improvements expected to make routes more convenient for local people.
A Ward moving in the right direction
All in all, there’s a real sense of momentum in Efford and Lipson. From practical improvements like CCTV and pathways, to bigger community efforts around wellbeing and youth engagement, it’s clear that people are working together to make things better.
And honestly, it’s these kinds of steady, thoughtful changes that really add up – making everyday life that bit safer, easier, and more connected for everyone.
Email: pauline.murphy@plymouth.gov.uk
Update from Councillor Neil Hendy
You may have noticed some artwork around the ward, they were painted by Plymouth Artists Together and we were pleased to fund these with use of the Councillors Community Grant scheme. Others are also planned with funding already in place.
The significant investment into Efford Youth Centre has seen amazing results and this will help revitalise youth services for the area around. The Youth Service now has a very nice place to work from, inviting spaces for the young people and I can’t wait to see the new attendance figures when so many people are using this new space.
We have been keeping a close eye on the flood relief scheme at Trefusis Park which will help prevent flooding to Lipson Vale. This has been a really impactful issue for many years so this is something I am very pleased to see happening.
Yeo Close Play park and Torridge Way shops have suffered from anti-social behaviour over the years. We ward councillors fought to have CCTV installed and this significantly reduced this behaviour.
We were most shocked to hear that these were to be removed as they were cameras not suitable for long-term installation.
This was bviously not what we wanted to hear. We called an urgent meeting and can now report that new up-to-date cameras with clearer images that the councillors have funded are to be installed in the next few months, with the old ones staying put until the changeover.
