Plymouth Councillors Apologize for Communication Failures Amidst Central Park Project Delays

Local councillors have issued an apology regarding insufficient communication following significant delays in a flood mitigation project located in Plymouth’s Central Park. Previously, an online petition garnered signatures from over 3,000 residents, urging the city council to address the flooding issue. Construction efforts, which involve establishing two new ponds and a drainage network, commenced in late 2022. However, these efforts subsequently paused due to adverse weather conditions and problems with contractors, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). During a session of Plymouth City Council’s Housing and Communities Scrutiny Panel, it was conveyed that residents and individuals utilizing the park perceived themselves as “fobbed off and ignored” because informational signage remained un-updated and their expressed concerns received minimal replies. Amanda Pannell, who organized the “Fix Our Park” petition, stated that the petition served as “the only way of bringing this to the attention of the council to make our voices heard.” She further explained, “Work started again in August, I like to think it was the petition that helped that and we had meetings on site. However it stalled again until we had a second meeting.” Pannell concluded by saying, “It very much feels like nothing happens unless the residents shout loudly and, quite frankly, it is exhausting.” Tom Briars-Delve, the council’s cabinet member responsible for the Environment and Climate Change, offered an apology for the project’s delays. He acknowledged that, during the period of the petition in July and August, the project was “not in a good state.” Lee Finn, who chairs the panel, stated: “We hold our hands up and apologise as a council to all stakeholders for a lack of communication. We will learn lessons from this.” The panel reached a consensus to formulate a comprehensive communications strategy, implement consistent updates, ensure distinct signage, and provide a clear outline of the project’s timeline. For many decades, the Barn Park section of Central Park has frequently experienced flooding after significant rainfall. The current pond project is anticipated to reach completion by summer 2025. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.