In Stoke, a group of dedicated residents have been working to keep a well-used lane between Stoke Damerel Community College, Scott Hospital, and City Business Park clean.
This pathway, which is a vital route for students and locals heading to Stoke Damerel, Central Park and the life centre, has been the focus of council efforts in recent years.
In 2021, the lane, which connects Somerset Place to Ponsonby Road, underwent significant upgrades as part of Plymouth City Council’s improvements to the wider Strategic Cycle Network (SCN). These upgrades included resurfacing and widening the path, as well as installing new lighting to make it safer and more attractive for walking and cycling.
Despite these positive developments, the issue of litter remains a concern. The residents, led by Rhona Prichard, have been in ongoing discussions with the council about the need for additional litter bins along the path.
Rhona said:
“The Council have listened to our comments about litter and leave the meetings with a clear idea of what residents would like. I can only imagine it is a funding issue.”
Currently, there is only one bin at the Ponsonby Road end, which leaves much of the path without proper disposal options. This has led to littering which the local community have taken action to clean up themselves.
“Rather than get angry at seeing the litter, until another bin/bins are installed the group pictured chose to collect and clean up the lane.
A recent photograph shows these residents in action, picking up litter along the upgraded path, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.
A group was formed in 2019 that allowed residents, Stoke Damerel staff and local councillors to discuss issues and concerns about their community. The concerns about litter we’re recurring issues, but residents feel that enough isn’t being done.
Rhona said:
“There have been no firm commitments from the Councillors but they always say they will see what they can do.”
