PlymouthLive readers aren’t shy about putting their 2 pence in. Hundreds of people have had their say in our commenting forum this year, and it’s no surprise – it’s been a busy one for all sorts of reasons.
From the August riots to Home Park struggles, and the one thing that Janners would rather talk about than the general election, this is what got you talking this year.
The year began with the news that Plymouth parents had seen record fines for taking their kids out of school during term time for holidays – with rates more than quadrupling compared to the previous academic year. It’s a growing problem for schools and educators to tackle, but prices rocket during the holidays as demand rises.
Reader Bemjamin wrote: “No surprise, really. I know people that do this and it’s for one reason only – the fine is significantly less than the savings they make by not going on holiday during a school holiday. One person’s holiday was just over £1k cheaper during term time. If they want to improve it then stop places hiking the prices up during school holidays so that people can afford to go on holiday during those times.”
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was on a tour of the country, and stopped in Plymouth in February. Former MP for Plymouth Moor View, Johnny Mercer, was there to greet him – neither would last the year.
The politicians were seen jogging through Hoe Park, before stopping at the Commando memorial, where the Plymouth MP showed him some familiar names. Plymouth war hero Mark Ormrod also bumped into the joggers on Hoe Road, saying it was “great” to chat with the PM about life as a veteran.
Reader Doct wrote: “I hope Sunak had a good opportunity to see the rest of the city in all its splendour. Maybe their ‘jog’ took in the rough sleepers at Millbay barracks? Or the doorway regulars on New George Street? Now that would have been an honest encounter… pressing the flesh with the most vulnerable on the streets… showing the face of the ‘caring, compassionate Conservatives’… perhaps even apologising for the ‘lifestyle choice’ comments made by his arch enemy, Braverman?”
Former Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Foster was facing tough times at Home Park, enduring 4 straight home losses by the time this story came out in March. He would not have to wait much longer for the sack, which would come in April. The club would secure Championship survival on the final day, and appointed new man Wayne Rooney shortly afterwards.
Grumpygit2020 wrote: “This really needs to be his last interview. In the run in for manager of the month in January, after just 2 league games you thought you were the messiah? If it wasn’t my beloved club this would be comedy gold.”
Planning permission for the Observation Wheel at Plymouth Hoe was submitted in April, having won a licence to do so last year. When the initial plans were announced, Event Attractions Director James Rogers said “We hope this will be a great attraction for the city and will be popular with residents and visitors alike and offers an extra reason for people to visit the city.”
Jagdriver said: “Someone says this is a waste of money. How is that the case if it acts as a major attraction in the summer? For any tourist, and many locals alike, there is much to see and enjoy in Plymouth if you simply scratch beneath the surface. A little positivism goes a long way!”
And then in May, when plans were thrown out, more comments flooded in and locals were divided. Dboy129 said: “Ridiculous decision, the council needs to have a real shake up, look around the world at location of ferris wheels.
“Don’t think the tourism section are doing good, the ships we see arrive have small numbers of guests, get the big ships in and get real revenue into the city.”
But M1785added: “They are nothing special and not free. There is one in Dawlish.”
The local Labour party stormed to victory in local elections in May, claiming 42 seats. Barring disaster or a mass exodus, they will remain in control until 2027.
Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of the council, said: “It was a fantastic night, one of the best we’ve had. Last year we gained nine. This year, we gained nine. So 18 gains in two years is fantastic. But as significant tonight, I think, was that this is the worst result the Conservatives have ever had in to win just one ward.”
Dalls wrote: “The question is, did voters vote because they want a Labour majority, or did they just vote Labour or others because they’re fed up with Tories?”
Ahead of the general election in June, it was a local issue that was grabbing the attention of our readers. Verges and roadsides had been left to grow up until the summer, leading some to complain about unsightly, overgrown grass. Faith Jordan said that she was getting covered in ticks and midges on her daily walks.
Plymouth was not the only place to see this – councils across the country received complaints that their areas were starting to look scruffy.
Eastparky said: “I have just walked from the train station through the subway to town. The subway grass areas are a disgrace. To me it sums up Plymouth at the moment, run down and neglected.”
Plymouth City Council wrote to thousands of residents in July about plans to turn swathes of Stonehouse and Stoke into 20mph zones. The council said the proposed scheme is designed to “benefit both pedestrians and cyclists, including people with disabilities”. It said: “The scheme aims to deliver major health benefits providing an opportunity for the residents of Plymouth to walk and cycle more safely. The proposal aims to encourage modal shift, reducing congestion on our roads and lowering the amount of carbon emissions from traffic.”
DaveDave 2 wrote: “Drivers can whine about it as much as they like, but the local residents will have a different view, and they’re the ones who’ll be listened to by their councillors/MPs. If you want to halt this move to 20mph zones, your first target should be the police who have given up on enforcement when it comes to noisy exhausts and after-dark racing round residential streets. Once the boy racers have been dealt with, the demand for 20mph zones will simply go away.”
Violence erupted after a far-right group clashed with police and counter-protesters on Royal Parade in August, as part of the riots that swept the country following a mass stabbing in Southport. A video showed one rioter trying to square up to police who were keeping the crowds back – and receiving a couple of bashes with a shield for their trouble.
Jayman said: “Went into town today, the state of old town street and new George street is terrible. I can’t believe the damage the rioters have done, looks like a bomb landed there with pavements missing, what a mess.”
September saw the newly elected Labour government face its first controversy, and one that is still rumbling on today. Two Plymouth MPs voted in favour of means-testing the Winter Fuel Allowance, removing an automatic benefit from millions of pensioners. Fred Thomas MP, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Moor View, said: “This was not a decision I wanted to make or expected to make, but the previous government hid a £22 billion black hole in the public finances that must be fixed.
“Because of our commitment to protecting the Triple Lock, the increase in the state pension under this government will outstrip any loss of winter fuel payments to pensioners. The least well-off pensioners will receive additional support through a means-tested Winter Fuel Allowance, and I am holding surgeries to ensure everyone has access to support they are entitled to.”
HarriGarr wrote: “I am not sure why Kier announced this when he did. He’s a clever man but tactically, this has been badly handled. He should have waited until after the budget when hopefully we will see higher tax for those who can afford to pay for it. The WFA is an emotive issue & now it’s backfired, he can’t be seen to back down. I can imagine this has scared & undermined all the new MPs too, especially as the money saved is not massive. Not great, Kier, not great.”
New cameras were announced to catch speeding drivers and red light jumpers in October, as Devon and Cornwall begin to replace an ageing network of sensors across the two counties. Two sections of Outland Road would be the first to receive the new cameras, which would be digital and not rely on film. A spokesperson for the Vision Zero South West said the organisation recognised camera systems were not always popular, but were “sometimes necessary to improve road speed and red light compliance”.
Nuffsaid wrote: “As a driver, cyclist and motorcyclist and now retired A&E nurse, I wish the moaners would spend a few nights in an Emergency Department and see for themselves some of the truly terrible sights I’ve seen over the years.”
In November, Plymouth medical chiefs were expected to shut a £5m hospital unit which only opened last year. PlymouthLive had been contacted by staff who are concerned about moves to shut the Discharge Assessment Unit at Mount Gould, where patients were sent from Derriford Hospital before going home.
One person said: “This ward was opened last year but now they are planning closure. This is a cost cutting exercise reducing capacity in the face of massive pressure.”
JanePowell said: “No wonder the NHS is in such a state. How can managers be allowed to make such atrocious decisions? 5 million for a unit only open a year.”
A hefty sum has been announced in December for artists to contribute to a four-year project called “Sea for Yourself”, which will see four major cultural commissions. Each will focus on themes such as making visible the invisible, archive & heritage, immersive environments, and outdoor installations.
Culture bosses say it will see “interactive and shared immersive experiences” created that merge art, digital and the city’s natural heritage – and bring Plymouth’s marine heritage to life.
Afterall wrote: “It will be interesting to see these projects evolve. Good luck to all those involved in trying to improve Plymouth’s cultural landscape and well done in gaining the funding.”
Let us know what your favourite story of the year was in the comments below.