A community campaigner helped secure repairs to dangerous paving in Whitleigh after paying his own money to prove the land was the responsibility of Plymouth City Council.
Former city councillor Dave Downie has been raising issues across Whitleigh and the wider Budshead area for several years, reporting concerns such as fly-tipping, blocked drains and potholes while also supporting litter-picking initiatives.
The independent Budshead community campaigner recently highlighted uneven paving slabs at Whitleigh Green which residents said posed a safety risk to pedestrians.
At least two people were reported to have tripped on the uneven surface.
Mr Downie first raised the issue with Plymouth City Council in December but was initially told the land was not owned by the authority.
Determined to find out who was responsible, he paid for Land Registry searches himself.
The records revealed the land was in fact the council’s responsibility.
After three months of campaigning, the authority carried out repairs and the paving has now been fixed.
A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said:
“We apologise for initial confusion when this issue was first reported to us.
“As soon as the error was realised, we actioned the appropriate repairs which have now been completed.”
Mr Downie said he has now decided to stand as an independent candidate for Budshead Ward in the forthcoming local elections.
“I am feeling totally let down by our local councillors, by the City Council and by all political parties,” he said.
“That’s why I have decided to stand as an independent candidate for Budshead.”
He added that he intends to continue campaigning on everyday issues affecting residents in the area.
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