Friends of Tothill Park

    All the questions and comments published on this site...

On Tue 10th Jan 2012 @ 13:29, Richard Stringer said this:

Can you please advise the dates of the next meeting as I cannot find this on your website . Many thanks
On Sat 14th Jan 2012 @ 15:53 Pat replied with:
Richard, our next meeting is scheduled for Weds 8th Feb at 7pm in the Community Cetre

On Mon 07th Nov 2011 @ 11:30, John said this:

Can you tell me who is responsible for allowing Council vehicles to drive on the playing fields, especially during wet weather. If a player or walker were to twist or break an ankle, who would be held responsible or is it a case of the taxpayer would foot the bill as usual.
On Mon 05th Dec 2011 @ 16:31 Pat replied with:
Thanks John, the Parks Dept have been notified and have promised to speak to the drivers. If anyone sees PCC vehicles driving across the grass, please notify Parks on 606034.

On Thu 24th Mar 2011 @ 18:29, Kevin & Gordana Webster said this:

Despite my attempts to have questions answered from the city council regarding contamination, all efforts failed, though one has to say, with our council this was hardly a surprise to anyone.
Regardless, I would like to first thank “Play England” for their funding, but most of all congratulate and thank the committee of our beloved park for the hard work they have put into securing the funding and after their part in the actual refurbishment of this area. It hasn’t been an easy trip for them, apart from being bombarded with questions and complaints from users of the park, (me included). Without your drive and determination the results would most certainly have remained just a pipe dream. Our park is a credit to the area, clean, secure, adventurous and one my little girl looks forward too each night visiting (after homework that is :-))

On Wed 06th Apr 2011 @ 09:09 Pat replied with:
Thank you for your input, it is nice to know that the efforts of the FoTP committee and the Parks Dept are appreciated.
We welcome all input to our website, as it gives us some idea of what park users want, and if they have any ideas or projects that we can pursue.

On Wed 16th Mar 2011 @ 18:32, Dan said this:

I visited the park on Sunday for the first time this year. What a transformation! I was great to see loads of families in the kids play area -it really transforms the area. Good to see that it is smoke free too.
On Thu 24th Mar 2011 @ 10:25 Pat replied with:
Thanks Dan, The children seem to love it, thanks for your comments.

On Sat 26th Feb 2011 @ 16:42, Maria said this:

just to say I visited the new play park today with my son and was very impressed. It has a good range of play equipment which suits quite a wide age range. It was nice to see the park very busy with loads of kids and parents having a great time together.
On Wed 09th Mar 2011 @ 12:53 Pat replied with:
Thanks Maria, it took a while but it is nice to see the children using the park facilities.

On Fri 18th Feb 2011 @ 18:27, joshua said this:

what time dose the new park open
On Fri 18th Feb 2011 @ 20:41 Pat replied with:
The new play area will be officially opened on Mon 21st Feb 2011 at 11am.

On Wed 09th Feb 2011 @ 10:04, George said this:

What is wrong with the management of Tothill Park. I was walking my dog yesterday morning when I saw PCC workers turn up tp starting \'bodging\' repairs to the new play area before it is even opened. I saw a freinds guy ,Matt? and asked him what was going on. He was very non committal but did not seem happy with the situation. Iasked him if the contractors had handed over the site but he said he did not know if it had been handed over officially. Isn\'t it about time that the residents meet with the people who are making these decisions using taxpayers money. Isn\'t time residents and park users started questioning who is actually overseeing these works. Allwe get when we talk to the freinds is it is all in the hands of PCC or the prks dept.
Users of Tothill Park speak up for yourselves, it is your money these people are wasting.
On Wed 09th Feb 2011 @ 16:37 Pat replied with:
George, When I spoke to you yesterday, and I am Pat, I did explain that the money for the Play Area was from Play England, and not from the rates that you pay to PCC.
The management of Tothill Park is the responsibility of Parks Dept and they have to work within the financial restraints that affect all services.
We in the Friends of Tothill Park are only there to lobby Parks Dept to try and get the best for Tothill, and over the last 5= years we have had a very good relationship with Parks Dept and hopefully the park has benefitted.
FoTP have always welcomed suggestions and other input from park users and on many occasions have asked for volunteers to assist in small projects. This has invariably led to a deafening silence, and I am afraid "community spirit" is sadly lacking around this area.
You ask if it is time for residents to start asking questions, I ask if it is time for residents and park users to show that they have a pride in their park and their neighbourhood, and help rather than use this website as a forum for nothing but complaints.

On Tue 11th Jan 2011 @ 01:49, Kevin Webster said this:

George, I agree with your comments 100% regarding the play area, it has been planned for years and finally we are reaping the rewards of this venture, which I’m sure the children will enjoy to its fullest potential. I too have been asking questions regarding the contamination but despite the waffle offered by the committee, as yet no answers are forthcoming. May I again ask what is the contamination that has caused concern and what level of danger does it pose for park users. Can the committee guarantee 100% that there will be no risk to our children or other users alike? If the committee again refuses to answer the questions raised perhaps they could relay this to the soil consultants who may wish to finally put to rest concerns that we, the park users have raised.
On Fri 28th Jan 2011 @ 14:26 Pat replied with:
The committee have never refused to answer any questions that are within our remit. When we have tried to get answers to the question of contamination, the answers that have come backfrom Parks and Environmental are that the level of contamination will be negated by the membrane and the fresh topsoil, sand and bark which cover the new play area.
FoTP believe that there are very low levels of arsenic, lead and the residue from the gasworks clinker that was used to infill the old creek to create Tothill Park
If any resident is still unhappy or worried please contact Parks Dept or PCC Environment Dept, who are the two agencies involved in this development.

On Fri 07th Jan 2011 @ 18:28, stephen stewart said this:

Is there anything being done about yobs and alcohol drinkers smashing bottles in the park( where my dog has receieved several cuts to his paws).
On Fri 28th Jan 2011 @ 14:16 Pat replied with:
Stephen
We have not received any reports recently and are unaware of any problems apart from glass being broken around the bottle bank. Please get in touch with any problems or notify the PCSO's who are around the park on a daily basis.

On Tue 07th Dec 2010 @ 11:29, George said this:

A typical non information giving answer. There has been no topsoil removal and no sign of a barrier. Do residents and park users need to ask questions under the Freedom of Information because we were led to believe that there was contaminated soil which would cost a lot of money to remove and it looks as if the whole process has been either a financial con or or a complete cock up. and could you please come up with an answer that will satisfy park users, especially those with children or animals.
On Sat 11th Dec 2010 @ 10:34 Pat replied with:
 It was confirmed that the play area completion is about two weeks behind, this is due to late delivery of some of the equipment. George, the following is an excerpt from the FoTP minutes from a meeting held on Weds 8th Dec.
It was confirmed that no soil is being removed from the site, as they are using the soil to create the mound, and then the whole site will have a membrane covering and be raised by the 300mm with the specified soil as required. At the edges the ground will be dug out and sloped to 1:10 to conform with DDA access. The PPS is in constant touch with the situation, and someone from soil consultants visit regularly to ensure that all the criteria are being met. There also may be further delay with the opening as the cold weather is preventing turf being lifted, and it will require time to bed in. Half term may be a good time for the opening.
FoTP thank you for your input and would like to invite you to contact us with a view to joining the committee as you seem to be taking a keen interest in our lovely park.

On Sat 27th Nov 2010 @ 17:46, David J Kerswell said this:

Were could i find information about what is going into the new play park i go done every day and are very interested to what is
going there i can see the slide but what is the four poles for
and the small pole coming out of the ground by the four poles
Yours D J Kerswell
On Sun 28th Nov 2010 @ 14:07 Pat replied with:
David,
There are plans for the new play area in the Tothill library for park users to view.

On Mon 22nd Nov 2010 @ 16:23, George said this:

This play area has been on the cards for over three years, why do you want to start moaning now. If you want to ask questions, ask if the park is contaminated or not.
We wer told that the land was contaminated and that is why there was a hold up. I spoke to a member of the friends and was told that trace amounts of contaminants were in the ground but that the topsoil would be removed and a barrier put down, all covered over by fresh topsoil and turf. So far there has not been any sign of any contaminated soil being removed from the site and definitely no barrier. What the hell is going on and who are we supposed to believe.
On Thu 02nd Dec 2010 @ 13:58 Pat replied with:
George
The play area has been in planning for about three years, but because of the contamination and loss of about a quarter of the funds, the high cost of soil removal and disposal, the cost of capping the area and the topsoil replacement, the scale of the new play area has been greatly reduced. As far as we know, there has been no change to that plan, and hopefully, the new play area will be up and running by the end of the year. The contractors have a timescale, and they will be working to that to get the facility ready on time.

On Mon 22nd Nov 2010 @ 10:53, Marion said this:

I do not want to deprive the children of the play park. I just think that the money could be put to making the park safe for everybody
On Mon 22nd Nov 2010 @ 20:27 Pat replied with:
Marion,
I do apologise, I have put your reply on to the question from John and Julie.

On Mon 22nd Nov 2010 @ 09:33, John and Julie said this:

We are very disappointed that Marion doesn\'t think the new play park is needed. We agree that the park is in a mess and there has been no cleaning done in the park for months, but it is our understanding that the play area is funded by Play England and not the council. The council are the people who should be cleaning the park so don\'t deprive the children.
On Mon 22nd Nov 2010 @ 20:21 Pat replied with:
Marion,
The money that is being spent on the play area, came from Play England to be used solely for a childrens play area, and it is not allowed to be used for any other purpose.
The cleaning of the steps and paths are the responsibility of Parks Dept and there should be a small street sweeper in the park on a regular basis.

On Sun 21st Nov 2010 @ 15:14, Marion Dukes said this:

The paths and steps in Tothill Park are dangerous with the old leaves turned into mush, small branches and twigs making walking dangerous and leaves hiding the cracks and holes in the paths which are going to cause broken bones before long.
Why dont the council spend the tens of thousands of pounds they are spending on a play park, in keeping the park safe or at least save the money for the claims that are surely coming their way.
On Wed 24th Nov 2010 @ 10:23 Pat replied with:
Marion,
The small mechanical cleaner has been around this morning as per the Parks monthly rota.
It is unfortuate that the adverse weather has brought down so many leaves at the same time, but the problem is city wide.
I have answered the financial situation re funding in a reply to your other email and also to John and Julie.

On Sun 24th Oct 2010 @ 08:42, Kevin & Gordana said this:

As daily users of our wonderful park with our daughter, my wife and I are somewhat concerned regarding this issue of contamination. I would suggest that the majority of users are already aware of normal common sense hygiene procedures. What we are not aware as yet is the full facts regarding the type and levels of the contaminates and associated health issues (if any). I am a little confused that as quoted by FoTP \"Further testing was needed to clarify the level of contaminants and to recommend a way forward\" The slide was removed as it had become dangerous and was beyond repair, is there not also a similar duty of care regarding the use of the park until the full findings regarding contamination are known?
What is of paramount importance to me is the welfare and health of my little girl, though she is never out of our sight how do you prevent / stop a 5 year old putting fingers to her mouth, eyes or nose? Without being alarmist, as a precautionary measure until the test prove inconclusively that there is not health issue to my little girl then I will take her to Beaumont Park. I do though hope that the findings are published sooner than later so that normality can return, as this park is an absolute treasure to all. Thanks FoTP for keeping us informed with the findings as and when they are known.

On Tue 09th Nov 2010 @ 11:34 Pat replied with:
Kevin and Gordano, This is a reply from FoTP Vice Chairman
First I must apologies for not answering your e-mail sooner. The problem with contamination has not been straight foreword. You may have read in the press that contamination was found on the Lipson playing field, which was high enough to result in the area being closed off. Last week the Herald reported that the Council had received a grant of £400k to carry out remedial work. When we applied for planning permission for our play area, because the land was a filled in creek the same as Lipson, the Public Protection Service (PPS), insisted we carried out sampling of our area. This was carried out by two independent firms. Although they didn’t agree entirely on the results, there was a low level of contamination, but far lower than Lipson. As we understand it, provided that soil is not disturbed, i.e. dug up, and normal hygiene is carried out, it is perfectly safe. However for our play area, the whole area will be dug out, so we have to carry out remedial work. The time involved in carrying out sampling and waiting for answers back, resulted in us losing a £50k grant, plus the cost of the remedial work, from the £185k which we originally had for the play area. This meant that we had to put a new tender, which again has added to the time lost. This has all now been completed. Work is due to start on the 9th November and will take about five weeks to complete. A copy of the new plans can be seen in our local library. We did have a copy on our notice board, but the board has been wrecked and the copy has gone.

Roger Vice Chairman

On Thu 07th Oct 2010 @ 09:27, Derek said this:

I have just seen the latest question to fotp and totally agree that we seem to be fobbed off with conflicting answers. Just how dangerous is this contamination to park users and especially to animals who spend their day with their noses close to the ground.
On Sun 10th Oct 2010 @ 08:24 Pat replied with:
Derek, I think the answer that was given to the latest question is a full and comprehensive explanation of the facts as we know them. I agree that information has been slow in being published up to now, but FoTP will endeavour to keep all residents up to date with the latest news.

On Tue 05th Oct 2010 @ 10:00, George said this:

I have been following the efforts of FOTP for four or five years through the letters and news items, and especially since it was announced in 2007 that they would be spending £135,000 on a much needed new play area for the local children. Then in June the amount available was reported to be £185,000, and the talk in the library was of a fantastic new show stopping park. After seeing the ideas for the play area, and reading the questions and replies from residents, and especially since everything seems to have ground to a halt due to this contamination, and a question from a Mr Glenn Taylor last year, that a public meeting needs to be held, so that residents can put questions directly about the hold up and the contamination. I say this because answers to the last three or four letters, and especially the one to Derek, seem to suggest that the contamination is severe enough to hold up the new play park, but that washing hands is the solution to all the problems. Residents need to be made aware of the true facts. Also it seems that we are back to £135,000. Was the £185,000 just a misprint, and if not, where has it gone. Last month, in reply to a letter, it was said that the new play area would be completed by 31st Dec, and that if not, the money would be lost. Does that mean it would go back into the Council pot and lost to Tothill Park completely? I think residents need answers and reassurance from whoever and wherever FOTP get their information.
On Fri 08th Oct 2010 @ 08:11 Committee replied with:
Contamination
The planning application process for the play area highlighted a possible land contamination issue. A specialist was brought in to sample the area and analyse the results. Further testing was needed to clarify the level of contaminants and to recommend a way forward.
It is this process - not the possible levels of contamination - that has slowed up the project.
We do not yet know if there is a risk to users for the remainder of the park and need to carry out an investigation and risk assessment before we can make that decision.
If we do identify any risk we will, of course, fully communicate with residents and provide advice. However, we would like to stress that at the moment we do not have any information that suggests people and children using the park are at risk and do not feel that there is any requirement for special precautions.
We advise people to take some very simple measures if they are concerned such as hand washing, showering after sports and keeping cuts and grazes clean.
You are very welcome to contact Plymouth City Council's Public Protection Service for any further advice.

Play funding
Plymouth has benefited from sustained levels of investment in recent years through the Playbuilder project, which has transformed19 playgrounds for our children.
There were however 10 projects still in the planning stages that are potentially affected by funding developments at a national level. We do not yet know if this funding is available. Tothill Park's additional funding was part of this programme.
We were extremely keen to see this work proceed which is why we secured the larger part of the funding from the Big Lottery to progress with a scheme for £135,000 and if the additional funding was made available, we can roll out a second phase. We believe the new design for the play area will be a welcome addition to the park.

On Sat 02nd Oct 2010 @ 08:23, Derek said this:

I play bowls regularly at Tothill Park and have just seen the leaflet telling us to wash our hands after being in the park because of contamination. I have been told that this refers to all the park and not just to the new play area. As me and my friends have developed the habit over the years of licking our fingers as we prepare to deliver a bowl are we running the risk of contamination. Although the season is now closed will our green be tested before the start of the new season and will the group who seem to be heavily involved in the park keep our committee informed. I have just returned from a bowling holiday and I have invited people I met to come and play in Plymouth. Should I reconsider this invitation.
On Mon 04th Oct 2010 @ 14:47 Committee replied with:
Derek,
Thank you for your email.
The contamination you mention was discovered when core samples were taken as part of the normal planning application for the new play area in Tothill Park.
When the core samples were analysed, traces of contaminants were found, and PCC issued general hygiene and cleanliness advise for members of the public who are participating in any outdoor activity.
Licking of fingers after touching anything that has been in contact with the ground, would not be advised at anytime, and the hand washing advise from PCC is part of general health and safety advice.
In answer to your last question, please do not stop your enjoying your sport, and do not discourage others from joining you in our beautiful park

On Mon 27th Sep 2010 @ 20:38, Lisa said this:

As a regular visitor to the park it has been fantastic to see the changes taking place which include the new benches and handrails, the restoration of the flowerbeds and the painting of the Community Centre. Both myself and my 2 yea r old have been looking forward to the new improved play park facilities that I know the FoTP are trying hard to implement. However, the removal of the slide and climbing frame leaving just 2 baby swings for smaller children to play on seems to defeat the purpose.
Only 2 weeks ago I was walking around the park with my son on his scooter and had to stop him as there was broken glass everywhere which I ended up cleaning up to avoid any serious accidents, along with the dog mess in an area where dogs are not allowed, litter and the new graffiti on the Community Centre I was sadden to see that not everyone seems to be on board with trying to improve Tothill Park.
Perhaps the Council should look to invest into CCTV to try to deter anti social behaviour, perhaps money towards a regular park keeper would help to contain the level of litter, vandalism and general upkeep of the parks facilities.
Are there any updates on when we can expect the new play park; is there anything we can do to help speed up the process? Keep up the good work FoTP.

On Wed 29th Sep 2010 @ 15:35 Committee replied with:
The play area improvements are due to commence soon. We have had to arrange for planning permission to be granted and also investigate the ground for contamination. We have resolved all the issues now and we are looking to appoint a contractor imminently. We have a planned completion date for the play area for 31 December 2010. Increase in the usage of the park is the best way to deter problems in the park, the more people that use it the less likely people will have chance to abuse it.

If you find broken glass in the park please call parks services on 01752 606034. If it is out of hours please leave a message describing where it is located and we will respond to it as soon as the office is open.

Dog fouling and fly tipping can be reported to Plymouth City Council's Environmental Protection Unit on 01752 304147 (link to webpage - http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/environmentandplanning/pollution/rubbishandrefuse.htm)

Graffiti can be reported using Plymouth City Council's online form please se following link (also have contact email and phone numbers) http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/environmentandplanning/graffitiandflyposting.htm

On Sat 25th Sep 2010 @ 03:27, dave said this:

How long will the slide be gone from the play area my grandchildern miss this item? why was it dismantled.?
Why as it took so long to improve the whole play area?
Dave.
On Wed 29th Sep 2010 @ 15:33 Committee replied with:
The piece of play equipment was dismantled as it was not repairable. The Play teams have repaired this equipment many times before and unfortunately it was beyond repair. Therefore we removed the item as we have a duty to remove all dangerous equipment so as not to cause injury or harm to the general public.

The play area improvements are due to commence soon. We have had to arrange for planning permission to be granted and also investigate the ground for contamination. We have resolved all the issues now and we are looking to appoint a contractor imminently. We have a planned completion date for the play area for 31 December 2010.


On Fri 03rd Sep 2010 @ 05:59, heidi said this:

When is the playpark going to be revamped - with the removal of the slide there is hardly anything there to entertain children - its such a lovley space to walk around and handy and local but its very dissapointing for the kids to have a few swings and thats about it
On Sat 18th Sep 2010 @ 09:02 Committee replied with:
Work on the play area is due to start in the next few weeks. This play area was envisaged about three years ago, and we never thought it would take this long. There were a number of reasons for the delay, but hopefully these have now been overcome. The target for completion is the 31st December, because that is when we will lose the money if we have not completed it.

On Tue 31st Aug 2010 @ 13:55, Mark said this:

Last year the two football pitches on the unenclosed area were turned into one leaving two areas either side of the remaining pitch for dogs. this encouraged dog owners not to use the dog free enclosed area and kept it for childrens use. What idiot has decided to remove the small pitch from the enclosed area and put it on the dog exercise space. Any good habits that have been encouraged hvae gone out the window and either PCC or the Friends ought to be reconsidering this madness quickly
On Sat 18th Sep 2010 @ 09:03 Committee replied with:
We are just as angry at this move as you are. We knew nothing about it until we saw the pitch being marked out. We thought the original move of one pitch and two clear areas was ideal for all concerned. We have broached this with the parks department, but to date we have not had any reply. The more people who contact them and complain, the more likely we are to get it changed. As soon as we know anything we will post it on our website.

On Thu 24th Jun 2010 @ 07:37, John and Julie said this:

Why are residents not being told of the contamination of our park. this website was set up to inform us but not a word about lead and arsenic . is this contamination affecting the football pitches when spiking takes place and is the sports area that the schools use affected. who do we contact in the council to get an answer
On Fri 13th Aug 2010 @ 08:02 A replied with:
Sorry it has taken so long to reply, but FoTP have found it very difficult to get a definitive answer for you. The contamination was found during the planning permission application for the new £185,000 play area nearly twelve months ago. We have now received a reply from Public Protection Service which consists of a leaflet, telling us how to practice personal hygiene after using park facilities. This leaflet will be displayed on the FoTP noticeboard in the park.

On Thu 12th Nov 2009 @ 21:47, Glenn Taylor said this:

I think the generation of a \'Friends\' group to raise the profile of the park and make improvements has proven to be essential to our community park and your efforts are not unnoted. On your website its made clear that you are keen to invite community members involvement and currently you are looking for a committee Treasurer. Why in this case when community members keen to get involved such as Rachel Howell, Kevin and Gordana Webster as well as Tom and Mel ask when the next park meeting is you do not publish the dates of the next park friends meeting and suggest their voice can only be heard via a public meeting or you choose to omit a response at all? I would like to get more involved too so I will ask you specifically - please can you inform us of when the next park committee meeting is, not the \'public meeting\'. Thank you in advance. Glenn Taylor and family.
On Tue 17th Nov 2009 @ 17:20 Pat replied with:
Glenn,
Roger, our vice chairman, has asked me to post the following reply:-
Thank you for your comments, we must be doing something right. We do need a treasurer, and also a secretary ,and if you feel you could fill one of these posts, we would be glad to see you at our next committee meeting, which will be held on Weds 2nd Dec at 7pm in room 1 in the Community Centre.
The reason the monthly meetings are not thrown open to anyone on an ad hoc basis, is that we have specific items to address.
If a number of people came along to air their particular points at every committee meeting, we would not get through everything.. We have the website for that purpose, and we also have the facility for residents to leave questions or comments with the library or the Community Centre, and they are more than happy to pass them on. We are looking for people to commit their time in the long term, and if you feel you could help, or any of the other residents, we look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.
I hope this has answered your query.

On Sun 01st Nov 2009 @ 19:22, Rachel Howell said this:

I have young son age 6 and a puppy age 5 months, i have been reading the plans for the park i would like to voice my opinion. I am a responsible dog owner and pick up his poo and i feel that your plans are very unfair on dogs and there owners. My son has more than enough room to play both in the childrens area and walking or biking around. I feel by fencing of even more space you are stopping so many people from walking their dogs. I walk my dog with my son once every day at this park and see more regular dog walkers than i do parents out with thier kids.
There is already two enclosed football pitches which dog owner do not go on, why if you really feel the need to waste pointless amounts of money on more fencing off then let dog walkers have the field with the one open pitch on it?
I think this would be fair then as 1,Kids would have good space to play in. 2, dog owners would have enough room to walk the dogs. 3, there is still two enclosed football pitches for football matches. I think this would then make this fair as the park is a public place and should be able to be enjoyed by all. I would also like to point out that there are two other football pitches that im aware of ( astor park and by the bridge on embankment road) lets make things fair!! Can i also have dates of any meetings as i would like to attened.
On Tue 03rd Nov 2009 @ 12:03 Pat replied with:
Rachel, thank you for your email. This year, the two football pitches that were on the open area of the park, have been reduced to a single pitch, giving dog owners two large areas in which to exercise their dogs. Unfortunately there are still some owners who insist on taking their dogs straight on to the marked playing area of the football pitch to do their business. Some of these owners do pick up after their dogs, but with the darker mornings and evenings, there are more owners who are not, obviously hoping that they will not be caught.
There are three large areas for exercising dogs, by the tennis court, between the mound and the football field and the area by the recycling skips. The FoTP and Parks Dept have always tried to cater for all members of the community, and we feel that by providing the children with a dog free play area in which they can safely play, without parents or grandparents having to worry about what the children are going to pick up.

On Thu 10th Sep 2009 @ 10:32, vicky pengelly said this:

Is it true that the Library is moving to Mount Gould and the Community Centre is being turned into flats.
On Tue 15th Sep 2009 @ 15:07 Pat replied with:
Vicky,
The Community Centre is outside the remit of the FoTP, but I have passed yor query on, and you should get an answer shortly.

On Thu 04th Jun 2009 @ 19:49, Kevin and Gordana Webster said this:

Could you please tell us when the next meeting is being held which is open to local residents? Thank you
On Sun 07th Jun 2009 @ 20:10 Pat replied with:
Hi Kevin and Gordana, We have not set a date for the next public meeting, but we will give plenty of notice.
In the meantime, the PCSO's are holding their drop ins at the Community Centre on the last Weds in the month. You can always contact the committee with a specific question at any time.

On Sun 17th May 2009 @ 11:34, Joan said this:

Are there plans to put any facilities for toddlers at the basketball end of the park. We applaud the efforts of all who are working for the park but it would be nice to see something for the little ones (and their parents) at the Embankment Rd end.
On Wed 20th May 2009 @ 21:52 Pat replied with:
Please come along to the park between 11am and 3pm on Saturday 23rd, where all questions will be answered by the Parks Dept and the PCC Play Officer

On Thu 14th May 2009 @ 12:49, Kevin and Gordana Webster said this:

Thank you Pat for answering my comments previously posted, I do appreciatte how busy the team is so Im grateful. I have to add that I spend time in the park each and every day with our daughter, and have yet to see a patrol carried out by police of the PCSO. Perhaps Im just unlucky? Perhaps visits of the PCSO would be more beneficial when the schools have kicked out rather than during the day when the kids are in school. I know we are not alone witnessing the behaviour of these youths. I for one on seeing the PCSO would certainly make myself known to them and thank them for their patrol.
On Sat 16th May 2009 @ 08:57 Pat replied with:
I have contacted our local PCSO's with your comments, and I will be putting their reply on as a news item in the next couple of days.

On Mon 11th May 2009 @ 10:48, DBMB said this:

I have heard rumors of a congrete building being placed behind the tennis court, is this true? I am a responsable dog owner and wish to have the freedom to allow my dogs offlead on grass but it seems you are stealing the only place left to let my dogs free on. I have serious dissablities and do not wish to have to go all the way to astor park or beaumont to give my dogs their freedom. Please let us keep what grass we have left. Thank you
On Thu 14th May 2009 @ 10:57 Pat replied with:
This is another rumour that has no basis in fact. Please come along to the viewing of the latest phase of park development on Sat 23rd May, where all questions on fact and fiction will be answered.

On Sat 09th May 2009 @ 12:40, v pengelly said this:

I would like to know will there be any green left for walking and letting my dog off the lead when all the park development is done all the dog owners I know are pretty upset that there is no where to walk our dogs off or on the lead.
On Thu 14th May 2009 @ 10:51 Pat replied with:
The plans for the latest phase of the development of the park will be available for viewing and comments on Sat 23rd May in the park. Everyone is striving to make the park as enjoyable as possible for all users and are well aware that dog owners are part of the plan. Please come along to the viewing on the 23rd.

On Sat 09th May 2009 @ 06:43, Kevin and Gordana Webster said this:

We would like to express our gratitude to the committee of the FoTP for their commitment and hard work in making this valuable space a mostly safe and pleasant environment for our young children to enjoy. We all enjoy the diversity of wild life that roams through the park, save that of dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets, and the feral youths drawn to this area to while away their hours drinking, smoking and just being a general nuisance with their foul and abusive language in front of small children and mothers alike. Could I possibly ask the FoTH to approach the police on our behalf and request that elusive creature namely the local beat officer or PSCO carry out the occasional patrol of the park (on foot) in order to discourage the anti social behaviour of the few that spoil it for the majority in our lovely park. Thank you and once again great job FoTP.
On Thu 14th May 2009 @ 10:44 Pat replied with:
Thank you very much for the comments on the efforts of FoTP, our local councillor and the very supportive Parks Dept. It is unfortunate that once again we have to visit the issue of dog fouling, but if you speak to dog owners, the answer is always the same, it is only the minority. By the amount of mess that has to be cleared off any green surface before it can be used, either for sport or other activities, it is more than the minority that cannot be bothered, or deliberately walk dogs when it is dark, with no intention of clearing up. I must disagree with you on the issue of the PCSO’s, and the frequency of the foot patrols. I can assure you that there is a foot patrol around the park at least twice a day and they often stop to ask if there are any specific problems. The park is a much quieter and safer place than it was two or three years ago and everybody is striving to keep it that way.

On Fri 24th Apr 2009 @ 12:17, Bill C said this:

I heard that there are plans to built flats on top of the community centre? Is this true? How do we see the plans and how do we go about objecting to this development?
On Tue 28th Apr 2009 @ 10:07 Pat replied with:
Bill C, There have been rumours going around for years about plans for the Community Centre but they are only rumours, and there are no plans to build flats. I have spoken to the Community Centre and and they have confirmed that there are no plans.

On Fri 24th Apr 2009 @ 12:14, Tom and Mel said this:

We have 2 children (under 7) and 2 small dogs. We are keen to hear more about the development of the play park(s) and the reduction in space to exercise our dogs, please can you notify us when the next FoTP meeting will be so we can hear how the developments are going to impact us. Also please can you confirm whether the rumour from other parents in the park that there is going to be \'another\' play area built in the park in addition to the large development by the community centre is true? Thank you
On Tue 28th Apr 2009 @ 14:06 Pat replied with:
There are no plans to build another play area in the park. The plans for the park are to have a new play area built on the existing play area outside the Community Centre, the existing 5-a-side court, a refurbished tennis court and the existing play area at the Embankment Road end of the park. There will be a public consultation in May, where park users can have their say, and notices will be displayed on the website and the noticeboards when a date has been finalised.

On Tue 21st Apr 2009 @ 10:17, David and Jean said this:

We have followed the improvements in the park with interest and congratulate the way that the council and the residents have worked together. One of the priorities that was publicised was the new childrens play area and all the money that was going to be spent on this new facility. Our question is where is the new playground or has the money disappeared into the councils black hole. There seems to be a lack of information on the subject except for the airy fairy plans for a cross between Kew Gardens and Alton Towers. We sincerely hope that the delay is because someone has had a bit of sense and realised that if we are to have a new playground then the traditional easy to use, access, keep clean and tidy, and not hide the local ASBO seeking underage drinkers, then it will be worth the wait, Can you make more use of the noticeboards as they are seen by all park users.
On Tue 28th Apr 2009 @ 13:55 Pat replied with:

The money for the play park is still in the coffers, and can not be used for anything else. Very briefly, the original money from the estate developers (S106 money) was to be used for the play area. We then found out that a large sum (£185,000) was available from Play England to develop the play area. Also at this time we were told that the old five-a-side pitch was to be demolished as it was dangerous, so the decision was made to use the S106 money to build a new multi-court, and also to develop a play area and refurbish the basketball court at the embankment end of the park. Some of the money also went towards new seats, hand rails etc. The Natural Play funding is available to the park providing we meet the criteria, which states that the playground contains elements of 'natural play'. The new design will incorporate natural play with traditional play equipment. A public consultation is to be arranged during May allowing all interested in the parks development to have their say.

On Mon 20th Apr 2009 @ 16:26, Joanne Hudson said this:

Will there be a tennis net appearing on court 1 sometime this summer?
On Thu 23rd Apr 2009 @ 08:30 Pat replied with:
At present the surface of the court is not safe for use and the nets will not be installed until repairs are carried out. Quotes for refurbishment work are being saught and the Parks Dept will have the court up and running as soon as possible.

On Tue 07th Apr 2009 @ 15:41, Brian Cornwell said this:

I am secretary of Tothill B C and I have been asked to contact you re the nice new seats in the park, some members were under the impression that we were also to be given new seats, perhaps you would be good enough to advise as to whether this was the case.
I look forward to hearing from you.
On Thu 09th Apr 2009 @ 07:50 Pat replied with:
Brian, FoTP as a committee have no input into any aspect of the Bowling Club so I have forwarded your quey to the Parks Dept.

On Fri 03rd Apr 2009 @ 16:22, Paul Tomkins said this:

Does anyone know if Sutton play are doing anything during the easter holidays this year in either tothill, beaumont or astor park for the kids?
Please respond with dates and times
Thanks
Paul
On Tue 07th Apr 2009 @ 13:44 Pat replied with:
Paul, Weds 15th - Trefusis Park, Fri 17th - Coxside Park, both days 11am to 3pm weather permitting. The contact no is 225619

On Thu 02nd Apr 2009 @ 10:50, vicky said this:

The dog bin I am referring to is the one by the bowling green and the childrens park
On Fri 03rd Apr 2009 @ 15:09 Pat replied with:
Some dog bins have been relocated and an extra one has been added. I am sure that you can find one that suits you on your walk around the park

On Wed 01st Apr 2009 @ 13:46, vicky said this:

Why has the dog bin gone from tothill park by the park i have a dog so does that mean then i can put the my dog mess in the public bin
On Wed 01st Apr 2009 @ 22:11 Pat replied with:
Vicky, I do not know which bin you are refering to, as we have requested that extra dog bins are provided. Please do not dispose of dog mess in a public bin.

On Thu 26th Mar 2009 @ 17:08, Kath Jessop said this:

If you would like teenagers to join and give their opinion. Why not invite a class from Lipson Community School along. Maybe if they help with the development of the park and play areas they will halp to show others how to respect it. They would also learn from the experience. It could be one of their enviromental classes. Sasha Agnew is the deputy head at Lipson, she too was a teen once. She used to play lots of football, so can appreciate not having dogs mess on the pitch, the same as i can. There is nothing worse than sliding through a pile. One of the other requests qas for a skate park and ramps, i believe that is from a local teenager.
On Wed 01st Apr 2009 @ 22:08 Pat replied with:
Thanks for your contribution, Kath. As a committee we have approached the younger park user and asked them to use the website to contact us if they do not want to come to our meetings. The only response was from Jack who was asking about an area for ramps. he was invited to involve his friends and at least one parent to contact us but so far no reply.
We will conact Lipson College as you have suggested.

On Wed 25th Mar 2009 @ 09:14, Kevin and Gordana Webster said this:

Can you tell me how to book the Tothill comminity centre for a childs birthday party? Thank you...... Great site by the way very helpful
On Thu 26th Mar 2009 @ 14:23 Pat replied with:
If you call the Tothill Community Centre on 01752 665919, one of the staff will take you through the booking procedure.
And thank you for the compliment, glad you like the site. If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see on the site, please contact us.

On Wed 25th Mar 2009 @ 00:19, Maya said this:

Can someone sort out the bread issue? it is driving me crazy, as the owner of dogs and the baby sitter of small children I\'m tired of bread being thrown here there and everywhere. We often find molded or furry bread placed in bushes and some of the kids I look after often think it\'s a great idea to pick this up.

What about bird tables? The bread would be off the floor, easier for the birds to get without fear of being chased by dogs, stops dogs eating it and children picking it up.

Please someone sort of this issue, I don\'t want to have to make signs and post them everywhere that it\'s not the birds eating it but in fact it is the dogs and often children too.

Thanks
On Thu 26th Mar 2009 @ 14:38 Pat replied with:
Thank you for your observations. We will put suggestions to our wildlife officer and to the Parks Dept for their advice.
I have been told by one of our committee members that giving bread to birds in winter is not good for them, as they tend to fill up on bread which doesn't sustain them through a cold winters night.
Sounds to me that we could do with some expert advice.
Please use the site to give us your views.

On Tue 24th Mar 2009 @ 10:50, Kath Jessop said this:

I would just like to say thank you for all the hard work that you are doing to improve our park. I use the park to walk my dog ( i am a responsible dog owner, even take a torch with me at night time)and to take my nephews in the kiddies park. My youngest nephew is too young at present so he stays in his pushchair whilst my sister takes her eldest into the park to play with him on the swings. I quite often go to central park and since they improved the play park it is always full no matter what the weather.
The only trouble now is the teenagers who throw the swings over the top rail or take drink and sit on the mound getting very loud and very mouthy with lots of language mixed in. We were all kids once, i always had a tuesday night youth club to go to and on a friday i would help out at the younger youth club. So a BIG Well Done to all. Thank you
On Thu 26th Mar 2009 @ 14:32 Pat replied with:
Thank you very much for your kind words. The local children should see a big improvement in the number and quality of the play equipment in the near future, and the we are aiming to have the whole development completed by the end of the year.
As for the noisy teenagers, I can just about remember when I was one, but we would love to have one or two teenagers who would join FoTP and tell us what they would like to see in their park.

On Mon 23rd Mar 2009 @ 20:53, stacey said this:

Is there plans to build the new childrens play area this Year? I was at the event in the park last year to look at the plans which were great but we have not hjad anything else said since then????
On Wed 25th Mar 2009 @ 10:00 Pat replied with:
Stacey, subject to planning permission, the date we are aiming for completion is Dec 2009. However, it is planned to install additional playground equipment in advance and that will then be incorporated into the new scheme. A public consultation is provisionally planned for w/c 11/05/09 and any amendments made to the plan as necessary.

On Sun 15th Mar 2009 @ 14:39, Richard said this:

Have we lost a football pitch because of the state of the pitch nearest the community centre, or is it easier to give in to the dog owners who continue to ignore the law. I thought that the friends were going to improve the amenities of the park and to keep the existing ones. and I think the plans for the childrens area will be a wet, litter collecting, dog toilet, hooligan magnet of a white elephant.
On Tue 17th Mar 2009 @ 08:47 Pat replied with:
Roger, FoTP Vice Chairman said:-
As far as I know, the football pitch has been discontinued because of poor drainage and flooding. At times during the winter it seems to be more suitable to waterpolo than football. The plans for the children's play area are just a rough guide for the firms who will be tendering for the work. They have four weeks to get back to us with detailed drawings of what they propose to do, together with costs. The final choice will depend on what their plans are and their costs, but nothing is set in stone yet. We have £135,000 from 'Play England' to carry out this work, but they have certain criteria involving 'natural play' which we have to follow if we are to have the money. The plans you have seen are a compromise. As to other work in the park, we have had the multicourt installed, (the council were going to pull down the old five-a-side court as it was dangerous), and we have installed play equipment and basket ball at the Embankment end of the park. We have recently had new seats and bins installed following requests from residents, and are currently having hand rails put on all the steps. In the near future the path on the top of the mound will be replaced, and the tarmac circle by the bowling green will be turned back into a flower bed with railings to match the handrails.

On Sat 07th Mar 2009 @ 15:19, Lynette said this:

I had to wait with my 14 month old daughter to use the only small childrens swing the other day and when I commented on this to another mother I was told to look at the notice board as there were no things for small children in the new park. Is this true?
On Mon 09th Mar 2009 @ 11:40 Pat replied with:
Lynette, Roger, FoTP Vice Chairman, says:-
There will be a dedicated young children's area in the new play area and will include swings for young children.We have asked for these to be made of a material which can easily be wiped if it is wet. As some of the surfaces are 'soft', such as chipbark, we have asked that the surfaces in the young children's area are 'pushchair friendly', such as wet pour, which is around the current swings.

On Fri 06th Mar 2009 @ 12:47, Chris said this:

Please can you tell me why dogs are not allowed off their leads on the football pitches? This is the perfect place for the many dog owners in St Judes to let their dogs have a run about and socialise. I can only assume it is because of dog mess, it dosen\'t make any difference to the minority of people that do not clean up after their dogs if they are on or off the lead. No one, including dog walkers want dog mess in the park. By keeping dogs on the lead is not going to solve this problem. Please don\'t penalise us because of the few dirty people who none of us want using our park.
On Sun 08th Mar 2009 @ 10:03 Pat replied with:
Chris, Your enquiry is one of many that we get from responsible dog owners. Most people do pick up after their dogs, but it is a lot more hygenic if the dogs were kept on a long lead and off the playing surfaces until they had finished, and then allowed to run.
You say that most people pick up after their dog, But if your dog had an accident in the house, you would not just pick up, you would be on your hands and knees with the 'kills 99.9% of all germs'. Also responsible owners do get distracted and miss their dogs doing what nature intented.
Please stay off the playing surfaces until you know your dog has finished

On Thu 26th Feb 2009 @ 19:36, Jack Buckingham said this:

hi my name is jack im 14 when would the small mounting bike corse be built and will it consist of many dirt jumps?
what is a trim trail?
On Thu 05th Mar 2009 @ 14:33 Pat replied with:
Jack, Thank you for your email. You ask about a small bike course being built. The only area that seems suitable is the waste ground between the 5-a-side court and the Community Centre, and I do not know if it is big enough. Also what surface is needed. whether jumps are fixed or free and what height they would need to be. It would need to be safe enough for 4/5 yr olds to use. I think this is an area where a few parents need to get together and present a design either to FoTP or direct to our local Councillor.
A trim trail was originally a natural obstcacle course, usually through woodland but now specialist companies can supply monkey bars, pull up apparatus, jumps and other pieces of fitness equipment.
I hope this is of some help and I hope to hear from enthusiastic parents shortly.

On Fri 13th Feb 2009 @ 18:16, Paula Baldock said this:

We\'ve noticed that the net at the tennis court has disappeared and were wondering if there will another one going up?
On Sat 14th Feb 2009 @ 22:59 Pat replied with:
One of the supports for the net was damaged and was removed as a safety measure. The support and net will be replaced. The tennis court is on the agenda for refurbishment and FoTP is currently trying to source funds to have this carried out. As you will appreciate, it is difficult to get projects funded in the current financial climate, but we are gradually working our way through the the wish list that FoTP set out when it was formed three years ago.

On Sat 31st Jan 2009 @ 15:15, michael said this:

why is there loads of new benches? at the moment its too cold to sit on them anyway and are the old ones being reoved?
money should be spent on getting rid of the nettles and leaves on southview ter and leaves on the floor
On Sun 01st Feb 2009 @ 16:33 Pat replied with:
The old benches were rusted and getting to the end of their useful life. The PCC will be removing them as soon as the appropriate Dept gets the work order.
The money for the benches came from the S106 money which must be spent on the park. The benches were the result of requests by park users for new benches. The next project, which has also been requested by park users, is the installation of handrails on all steps in the park.
As for street cleaning, the highways dept are responsible and it is outside the FoTP remit.

On Wed 07th Jan 2009 @ 14:35, emma said this:

Where are you allowed to let your dog run off lead as l am very confused .Can l let my dog run down along side the basketball pitch along the hedge as long as l dont let her go onto the football pitch.
Is this correct as the dog warden says no where on the park and other dog walkers say you are allowed as long as you dont go ono the white lines of the pitch.
Please help me my dog would love to run again.
Thank you
On Tue 13th Jan 2009 @ 16:33 Pat replied with:
As I understand the law, it says that dogs are not allowed on sports grounds and this would mean your dog is not allowed on the football pitches unless on a lead. Your dog is allowed on all other areas of the park unless there are notices banning dogs. If owners would keep dogs on leads until they have finished and then clean up, then I don't think there would be this discussion. Unfortunately there are dog owners who think that if they are not caught allowing their dogs to mess in public areas, then the practice is OK. It is another example of the few spoiling it for the majority

On Fri 17th Oct 2008 @ 10:46, kirsty letherbarrow said this:

get some pics of litter after football matches please thanks xx
On Mon 27th Oct 2008 @ 22:33 Phil replied with:
Kirsty,
Thank you for your email, the litter after matches has been a persistant annoyance to us, we have on numerous occasions raised this issue with both Plymouth City Council and the Devon FA. This may be an avenue for you to investigate, what you will need to accompany any photos are dates, times and which playing field the litter was left on. I believe the FA send out warnings to teams and take action if they fail to clean up after matches.
I hope this helps.

On Fri 17th Oct 2008 @ 10:46, kirsty letherbarrow said this:

get some pics of litter after football matches please thanks xx
On Mon 10th Nov 2008 @ 19:45 Pat replied with:
Kirsty, Thank you for your input. The FoTP have been monitoring the condition of the areas around the pitches, both before and after matches, and we had talks with the Devon FA. The clubs that use the pitches have been notified that they must leave the pitches in the same condition as they find them. There has been a marked improvement, but we have evidence that most of the rubbish that is evident on a Saturday, is left over from Friday nights. We are in regular contact with the clubs to ensure that the individual clubs are aware of their obligations.

On Wed 08th Oct 2008 @ 19:43, Mick Lobb said this:

I understood Tothill Park to be a \'council\' facility and wonder if that has changed since my time in the area many years ago.
I lived in Neath Road until c 1952 and used to play in the park until then. Also have memories of \'Miss\' Marks who would have been the equivalent of a pre-chool teacher in the community centre. Also taking the train from the halt to Turnchapel for Jennycliff. First real encounter with an elephant was when the circus (Billy Smart\'s?) came to Plymouth by train to Friary Station!
Simple pleasures then - poor and innocent.


On Mon 27th Oct 2008 @ 22:29 Phil replied with:
Mick,
The council still maintains the park facilities and all regeneration plans must be sanctioned by them. We have the backing of our local councillor Mrs Jean Nelder and the head of the Parks Services who attend our monthly committee meetings. Thankyou for sharing your memories, you wouldn't have any photos of how the park looked back in 1952?

On Sun 14th Sep 2008 @ 20:00, jack buckingham said this:

coul you cosider a skate park because it would keep us kids from causing trouble. jack.
On Tue 16th Sep 2008 @ 15:31 Pat replied with:
Thank you for your question Jack and I have replied to you personally.
I hope that others will use the website to put forward ideas, questions and criticisms.
It helps if the committee are aware of the wants of the community.

On Wed 09th Jul 2008 @ 18:11, Hevs said this:

When is your next friends of tothill park support/committee meeting that anyone who cares for the park and its upkeep can attend? Your diary page is not clear (it appears there are no meetings throughout July and Aug and I assume this is an error?). Hope to hear from you soon so I can offer my support, kindest regards, Hevs
On Tue 15th Jul 2008 @ 23:01 Pat replied with:
Due to various reasons, the FoTP have lost some of the members of the committee. We would be delighted if new members came forward and offered to take up the challenge. If you email: committee@friendsoftothillpark.co.uk I will gladly give you details of our hopes and plans for the park.

On Sun 06th Jul 2008 @ 20:37, audrey kearney said this:

Hi, I noticed the work going on near the old basketball area in the park and was just wondering if this was part of the plans for the regeneration of the parks facilities ? I would also just like to say that I think the work by yourselves to improve Tothill Park is fantastic and long may it continue.

Yours sincerely,
Audrey
On Wed 09th Jul 2008 @ 21:07 Phil replied with:
Audrey,
The work which has just commenced at the top end of the park, adjacent to the basketball court is for the new "fitness zone". There will be a outdoor fitness suite, the basketball court will be relayed and seating installed. In addition to this a large web climbing frame and cantilever swing will also be fitted. Also Network Rail will be replacing the old fencing along the entire length of the pitches as it is deemed no longer fit for purpose. We hope the facility will be completed by the end of August.

On Mon 26th May 2008 @ 20:14, Rob Sawyer said this:

I am a member of Meriton Road Park in handforth (Cheshire). We are thinking about getting a park noticeboard. Please can you tell me about your noticeboard and how you went about ordering one (and at what cost)?
Thanks
Rob
On Tue 27th May 2008 @ 09:30 Phil replied with:
Rob,
Our noticeboard was made by members of the Royal Navy and DML as a gesture of their appreciation for the work the group is doing in the community. However be warned a noticeboard is a magnet for vandals and graffiti artists who have done their upmost to destroy it. All we would suggest is make it out of robust matrials which can be easily replaced. Ours is made from marine plywood and thick grade perspex, we have had to replace the perspex a couple of times but we are determined to keep the noticeboard in the park as it is an invaluable source of information for the community.
I hope that helps and good luck - let us know of your progress......

On Fri 28th Mar 2008 @ 11:47, Joanna Sinclair said this:

Could you please tell me where I can locate an aerial plan for the proposed Northern Bypass? Many thanks.
On Fri 28th Mar 2008 @ 16:23 Phil replied with:
Joanna,
Thankyou for your enquiry, unfortunately the FOTP Committee are only privy to the information which Plymouth City Council (PCC) has made public, if you use the link on the this website it will take you directly to the PCC website which may give you the information you require.
Good luck.......

On Fri 14th Mar 2008 @ 20:51, mick murphy said this:

I\'ve signed the online petition but wonder what facility is available for those local residents without an internet connection.
Is there a paper version which can be used to canvass additional signatures?
On Sat 15th Mar 2008 @ 11:51 Phil replied with:
Mick,
Thankyou for signing our online petition, we are currently looking for volunteers to form a St. Jude's Residents Association which will assume the lead on the Northern Route issue. Looking at the website you will hopefully realise that the FOTP Committee was set up to improve the facilities and infrastructure of Tothill Park. The Northern Route scheme needs a group entirely dedicated to raising the awareness in the community and campaigning against it, the FOTP Committee will obviously provide any group their full backing. If you are interested in volunteering to be part of this group please contact us and we'll put you in touch with like minded individuals.

On Fri 07th Mar 2008 @ 15:47, chris riggs said this:

Could you please tell me when the old point quay building was demolished and was it on the site of the new rowing club building. My wife and I were down ther today and it was nice to see the new display boards.
On Sat 15th Mar 2008 @ 11:45 Phil replied with:
Chris,
I'm sorry we can't help you with this one, perhaps contacting the rowing club directly may give you the answer to when the "Point Quay" building was demolished. Blagdon Meadows are important both as a recreational facility and equally so for wildlife, Plymouth City Council manage the site and are keen to encourage more wildlife and use the area as a educational asset for children.

On Mon 11th Feb 2008 @ 14:09, Matthew Green said this:

Like most residents of St Judes I am very concerned about the impact the proposed Northern Route by-pass would have on the already suffering residents of Knighton Road (and surrounding area). I have a house which backs on to the railway line and can confirm that it is well used at present. I bought this house because it is a quiet area and it was not over looked by other properties. The council have already taken away one of those reasons, resulting in our homes being not only over looked, but many of the new flats (ground floor) will have a direct eye line into my 1st floor rooms. I am concerned that the writing is already on the wall for this proposal and fear that if we don’t act quickly then the decision making process will have gone too far. The pollution, noise, decimation of the area and increase in traffic will have a significant effect on our quality of lives and because of the impact it will have on house prices I won’t be able to afford to move! We are all aware what precious little control we have over these decisions so we need to ensure we act now to try and halt this proposal before all the reasons, I and many others moved to this area are gone forever. I am happy to help in anyway I can.
On Thu 21st Feb 2008 @ 18:59 Phil replied with:
Matthew,
Many thanks for you email, I appreciate your concerns about the proposed Northern Route and we on the FOTP committee share these concerns however I must emphasise that the Northern Route still remains an option but it has, by no means been decided as the preferred route of Plymouth City Council (PCC). I believe a state of hysteria is being whipped up through rumours and the lack of information from PCC isn't helping matters. The local councillor attends our monthly meetings and advises the committee on any developments to this scheme and we also have two members of the committee who sit on the liaison group meetings as observers. We in the process of inviting a member of the committee who will decide the best option for PCC to hold a public meeting and we will advertise it once a date has been agreed on this website and on our park noticeboard.

On Wed 30th Jan 2008 @ 19:41, mr weaving said this:

When will we find out about the meeting held at the community center,referance the northern route.Thank-you
On Fri 01st Feb 2008 @ 19:28 Phil replied with:
Mr Weaving,
Many thanks for your enquiry regarding the proposed "Northern Route" option, we have a member of the committee who is a representative of the FOTP who has sat on the "East End Transport Community Liaison Group" meetings. Our next monthly FOTP meeting will be held shortly where he will brief the committee on this scheme and provide the latest position of the council. We intend to invite a member of the council, who sits on the liaison group to attend a public meeting in the near future in order to allow residents like yourself to put questions to him/her. We will post on the website well in advance the date of this public meeting as we believe there is a huge amount of interest and concern in the community about the proposed "Northern Route" option

On Wed 30th Jan 2008 @ 14:29, rick said this:

random question, but is there a basketball court in this park?
thank you
On Wed 30th Jan 2008 @ 17:41 Rob replied with:
Hi Rick,

There is currently a single hoop court at the far eastern end of the park but a multi use games area, which will include a court, is as we speak under construction just to the east of the communmity centre replacing the old 5-a-side court that was there. Hope this helps.

On Tue 22nd Jan 2008 @ 14:44, Ian Newcombe said this:

I am a resident of Knighton Road, backing onto the railway track and am naturally concerned as to the effect of the Northern Bypass proposals and the effect it would have on the area. It may be useful to include this web link http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/transportandstreets/transportplanning/transportstudies/easterngateway.htm on your site which accesses the vast suite of documents which form part of this Eastern Gateway Study. It\'s no wonder that residents have been none the wiser of these proposals when they are contained within approx 45 separate downloadable PDF documents! It will take you some time and patience to download these files - exactly what you would be tempted to do if you did not want the general public to be too aware of them! If you take a look at the details of the report, including some initial feasibility sketch sectional drawings through the proposed road at various stages of the route you will see that the \'tree lined urban boulevard\' concept quickly disappears when the road travels along its narrowest point. Don\'t forget that Plymouth has been mis-sold development ideas in the past. Where is the tree lined boulevard (Exeter Street) that was featured on the plans and display models presented to the public to sell the planning permission for the Drakes Circus Development? However, I remain most concerned that the Eastern Gateway ‘Northern Option’ is being sold by some as their preferred route on the basis that the existing Friary Mill railway line is ‘disused’. This gives a misleading impression, and as residents we are aware that this line is definitely still in use for rail freight as a goods siding. The railway track also provides an important habitat/wildlife corridor with some impressive mature indigenous trees. With increased pressure to reduce the amount of freight and goods on our roads, we may find that the use of this important railway link with the city centre will increase, and a longer term view should be taken as part of councils adopted plans, considering options, such as a future city freight rail centre and passenger tram system. These should definitely be investigated and take priority over carving a urban highway through the residential and amenity areas of St.Judes/Tothill Park. This report and its recommendations appear to have been made largely on the basis of peak traffic flow modelling, average vehicle speeds, and journey times, rather than than the environmental and social; impact on the residents of St Judes. Let me know if I can be of any assistance to the Friends of Tothill Park.
On Fri 25th Jan 2008 @ 10:21 Pat replied with:
Ian,
The FoTP committee have a representative on the East End Transport Community Liaison Group, which meets on a regular basis to be 'kept informed' of all latest developments on th Eastern Corridor Major Transport Scheme.
All information gathered from these meetings will be published on our website to keep local residents up to date.
Any questions or comments that you wish to be heard by the Group can be asked through the FoTP representative and the answer will again be published on our website.

On Fri 11th Jan 2008 @ 13:12, jenny martin said this:

I would like to know more about the proposed \'northern route\' mentioned in your newsletter, please. I find the document in the link incomprehensible! and have been trying to find the plans and further info on the city council website, with no success so far! I note, tho, that in the transport section the council\'s first stated aim is \'to enhance the built and natural environment\'. It is hard to see how a busy main road squeezed between tothill park and community centre, and an area of dense inner city housing with no gardens or other open green space, and the noise and traffic pollution that it will bring, could possibly meet this objective, or be of any benefit to the local population! It was my understanding that the aim of the councils environmental policy was to reduce traffic coming into the City, not increase it. It seems to me that the interests of the council tax payers and the population of Plymouth would be best served if the Friary yard and associated land were to be developed with high density, low impact, environmentally sustainable housing, leading to a significant increase in the council tax income! I hope you have a legal person investigating exactly who stands to benefit financially from both the Sherford development (where the council tax presumably doesn\'t end up in Plymouth) and the development of the proposed new road! Please let me know how I can support the campaign to help prevent this happening.
On Sat 12th Jan 2008 @ 11:36 Rob replied with:
Hi Jenny,

I think that, in common with many people, we are all a little confused over this at present. Without yet sufficiently clear ideas or stated intentions from the council, residents are afraid of what might be without real recourse to any valid action.

What we are all currently waiting for is to see if this scenario becomes a proposal by the council rather than just an idea at which point we can then organise some suitable response. I guess that what I'm saying is that, at this stage, all you need do is be aware that the idea might become a proposal and it is at that time that we need to make any objections known.

The easiest way to do this is to visit this site from time to time because we will certainly be publishing further information as it becomes availble. Hope this helps.

On Wed 09th Jan 2008 @ 09:13, Ben said this:

Hi. I have just bought a house in the lower part of st judes backing onto tothill park. This is my first visit to the website and i am most pleased to see there appears to be such a strong sense of communiy in the area. Being new to the area, I must admit to being slightly apprehensive towards the adjacent park at first, particularly at night time. In retrospect i am very pleasantly surprised to find that the park (without wanting to tempt fate) appears a quiet, trouble free, and safe environment in which to be.
In response to one of the comments made by mark about being approached by a doberman, would he rather be approached by a delinquent youth? I think its very positive the dog walkers feel safe enough to do so.
On a negative point, i was devastated to read of plans for a new road along the train track. i had heard nothing of this proposal prior to moving in and one of the reasons i chose the area was because it is so quiet. What is the likelihood of this taking place? on what scale is the road likely to be? when would work commence, and is there anything we in the community can do to oppose the motion??
many thanks, concerned resident
On Thu 10th Jan 2008 @ 04:12 Phil replied with:
Ben,
Thankyou for posting on the FOTP website, welcome to St Judes and I am sure you will see over the coming years the park facilities improve to enhance our community. Over the two years which the committee of volunteers have worked, we have always ensured that our original aims have been foremost, after all we are all local residents and park users so we have had a vested interest in Tothill Park. The FOTP committee has been well supported by Plymouth City Council (PCC) with a representative from the Parks Division and our local councillor at each monthly meeting to address PCC issues raised. I anticpate that much of the groundwork done by the committee will come to fruition in 2008 and the community will start to see several projects completed or started.
Regarding the proposed road, many local residents have already voiced their concerns, we have a FOTP member sitting on the committee which is currently carrying out feasibility studies and feeds back our issues. He will continuly post any new information on this site to keep residents up-to-date and by all means continue to comment on these as we have direct access to PCC.

On Mon 07th Jan 2008 @ 14:22, ken ryder said this:

could you send me the web address and link(s)to view the plans for the proposed new roads-(north and south route)it looks like the north one could run passed the back of our houses,many thanks--ken.
On Thu 10th Jan 2008 @ 03:59 Phil replied with:
Ken,
One of the committee members will investigate this for you and get back soonest, apologies for this delay but it is in hand.

On Fri 04th Jan 2008 @ 16:41, LOCAL RESIDENT said this:

WHY CANT WE HAVE A SYSTEM LIKE FRANCE WHERE THE DOGS ARE RESTRICTED TO ABOUT 2%F THE PARK FOR THEIR TOILET AREA,AND 98%S LEFT FOR CHILDREN/FAMILIES. THE DOG TOILET AREA IS DISINFECTED REGULARLY,BUT IF OWNERS DONT CLEAR UP IT IS ONLY THEY THAT SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES!
On Sun 06th Jan 2008 @ 18:16 Phil replied with:
Dear local resident,
Tothill Park is used by a wide spectrum of people for many recreational activites, with dog exercising being one of the most popular activities. Please be aware that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible for their dogs including the removal of mess, unfortunately we seem to have a minority of persistant offenders who take no responsiblity whatsoever for the behaviour of their dogs, a prime example of this is the number of dogs to be found in the fenced playing field which is clearly signed at each entrance as a "dog free" zone. On the FOTP committee we have several dog owners who are also concerned about this issue and we have constant dialogue with Plymouth City Council. The dog warden is a frequent visitor to the park area but as you can imagine with limited resourses it is difficult to eradicate this problem. What we ask all responsible dog owners to do is to police the park themselves, making a point to owners who allow their dogs to mess and not pick it up that it is unaccpetable and hopefully they may think twice about their actions. Finally as part of the regeneration of the park we intend to fence the circular grassed area which currently contains the small children's play area and make it a dog free zone which we hope will reduce the problem and provide a safe environment for families to gather.

On Sat 22nd Dec 2007 @ 20:05, Mark said this:

I am considering buying a home in the St Judes area and had a walk around Tothill Park on Friday 21 December 2007. A large doberman ran up to me and then stopped in its tracks, confronting me, I found this most intimidating and to be honest quite frightening, the doberman appeared to be with a teenage girl who was busy chatting on her mobile phone. I immediately left the park. The whole park seemed to occupied solely by dog walkers, none of the dogs on leads.

Three ugly buildings were also found in the park, one covered in graffiti. The whole area had an uncivilised feel about it. I was told that a student was mugged in the park last month by three youths.

From a distance the park looked inviting but my visit was disappointing. I can see that it has great potential to be a real focal point of the community.

On Fri 04th Jan 2008 @ 11:08 Rob replied with:
Hi Mark,

I guess that, at this time of the year and in common with probably all other parks in Plymouth, it's only dog walkers who are hardy enough to brave the weather! The byelaws in place for the park allow dogs to be off leads and, if I'm honest, I would have thought that being approached by a Doberman is a possibility in any park in the country.

I can understand though that you might have been disappointed with the park and whilst I'm certainly not going to try in any way to convince you to buy a house in St Judes, this is the reason we exist in the first place. I cannot comment on anyone being mugged in the park since I have not heard about this. What I can say though is that we now have a strong police committment to the area making this type of thing less likely. Again, this is something that can and does happen in every other park in the city.

All I can say is that the park does have much potential, is a far better park than it used to be and it is getting measurably better as time goes on.

Further more

On Sun 16th Dec 2007 @ 12:07, Lynsey Lloyd said this:

Living in Faringdon Road and being a regular user of the park, nursery and library I am deeply concerned about the news that the railway line may be converted to a road. I thought we were supposed to be reducing vehicles on the road not building more roads, I\'m presuming the park and ride will be using buses, therefore adding to pollution. There is a railway line from Plympton and one from Plymstock both lines could be used to develop an eco-friendly monorail system that would go directly in to Friary Mill. From experience in cities which already use either trams or trains these work extremely efficiently. I feel very strongly about this and if I can be of any help at all please contact me.
On Thu 20th Dec 2007 @ 10:51 Rob replied with:
Hi Lynsey,

I think that, as local residents, we are probably all extremely concerned at the likely implications should this plan go ahead. Initialy it looked like it would be a non starter but, as all the other ideas have been rejected one by one, it is now one of just two ideas left and is, unfortunately, the favoured option by most.

The problem is that it seems that local residents, in the main, appear to be entirely in the dark about the idea and one of the main criteria for de-selecting one or other of these routes is the amount of local opposition the council is likely to face. Currently there will be little or no opposition to this scheme making it a probable candidate for success with all the noise and pollution that will bring impacting heavily on both the park and local housing. House prices themselves will probably also reduce.

At this point in time, the best way to fight this scheme is to let as many local residents know about it as possible and contact the road development team at Plymouth City Council to register your protest!

On Sun 25th Nov 2007 @ 19:28, Ian said this:

Hi All, I am the secretary of Old Suttonians AFC and we play at Tothill Enclosure and Tothill Park. I have witnessed rubbish left over from night revellers and the like. I have instructed all our teams that any rubbish that is left by football teams home and away should be picked up and put in the bin. I can assure you that Old Suttonians want a clean area. Apart from having to pick up the rubbish after the games, it is before the games start that concern me. I witnessed and cleaned up quite a few loads of dog mess from the pitch 1 (outside the cottage changing room). Obviously this was not enough as the referee had to stop the game on 3 separate occassions to clear up more dog mess. This is a serious health hazzard for the players and the young children that use the fields when there are no games going on. Can someone address this as I feel very strongly about taking my kit off full of dog mess, how would you feel?
I want a totally clean playing field void of rubbish and dog mess. Old Sutts are behind you on keeping the place clean. Please note that Old Sutts are not the only team that play on these pitches, but we are doing our bit and will continue to do so.
On Tue 27th Nov 2007 @ 08:54 Rob replied with:
Hi Ian,

Dog faeces is a real and ongoing problem in the park and is something that everyone seems to feel strongly about and rightly so but, as with the reply to the last question, we, as a group, have no direct power to intervene other than to report the problem to the council. I can give you an assurance that this item is always near the top of our agenda and receives our continual attention. Recently we have been able to have the number of patrols by dog wardens increased in the park and the recent appointment of four police community support officers also patrolling the area has added impetus and weight to reducing the problem. I don't think that we should assume that this will resolve the problem though. Although fines for allowing a dog to foul the park is having some deterrent effect, there will always be a hardcore of dog owners who will not clear up after their dogs and it is these people we need to target. You, and the public, can help by reporting any dog owner who fails to pick up their dog’s faeces to the dog warden team on 01752 304147.

As for the litter on the pitches, we are always pleased to receive help and support on keeping the area as litter free as possible and now that we are photographing the pitches before and after matches and recording dates and times, it should be possible to identify the teams who do litter with ease.

On Thu 22nd Nov 2007 @ 11:43, Pete said this:

ive seen the rubbish on the football fields for years and years left behind after the matches. Last weekend was dreadfull again and i know that others on this site have complained about it. Why dont you do something about it. If everyone is complains about the same thing you should do something!!!
On Tue 27th Nov 2007 @ 08:37 Rob replied with:
Hi Pete,

First of all we, as a group, have no power to directly intervene on this matter since we are all just residents of the area rather than any official body. All we can do is pass on your concerns to the city council. However, since we are continually receiving litter reports (football litter is always the top of the complaints list) and where we are able, some members are now photographing the pitches before and after matches in order to build an ongoing and true picture of the rubbish left behind after matches. These images will also be passed onto the city council in due course and where there is a need so you can see that we are, in fact, monitoring the situation on a regular basis.

On Thu 06th Sep 2007 @ 20:14, Sean Newark said this:

My name is Sean Newark and im the General Manager of Friary Vaults MG FC and im just replying to Rob and any one else who is worried about the Rubbish left at the pitches at Tothill. We are taking on the lease at Tothill Enclosure and want to make this pitch and the facilities around it the pride of the people around the Tothill area and i wont allow rubbish left around this pitch we have come to some of our home games and found rubbish already there which we have picked up and at the end of games we have again picked up the rubbish with the help of young children who have come and watched their dads play.The only time ive not checked the pitch was after this Tues game. I promise there will not be any rubbish left after any game left at the Enclosure when we play or other teams who sublet of us but if rubbish found let me know and they will not be playing at Tothill again. I hope all people who are walking around Tothill are not taking their dogs as the Enclosure is a dog free zone. I will help with anything i can to make this area an area we can all be proud off and i will write again to ask any of you folks out there how any off you can help us make Tothill Enclosure something to be proud off and not an eye sore that has been left to go to rule because no body could be bothered to get off their a*** and do something about it.Excuse the last sentence but i do feel strongly about the area and what could be done for it with a little help.
On Fri 07th Sep 2007 @ 09:15 Rob replied with:
Hi Sean,

Generally the enclosure is not the problem. The main problem with litter is usually with the unfenced pitches. We are aware that there is now a lease on the enclosure and we are pleased that litter is one of your main concerns. By working together on this problem I'm sure that we can help to overcome it and, to that end, I have sent you a seperate email.

On Sat 01st Sep 2007 @ 16:03, Sarah Beasley said this:

I have just come back from the park and the football pitches. I did the same walk this morning at which time there was little or no rubbish. I witnessed the teams leaving the pitches and the litter the spectators AND players have left behind is just simply appalling. Why do you let them use the pitches if they are going to leave the park in this sort of state that makes it unusable for anyone else!!!!?
On Sun 02nd Sep 2007 @ 10:00 Rob replied with:
Hi Sarah,

Thanks for your question. We can understand your frustration with the amount of litter around after football matches and I myself have witnessed this litter at first hand this weekend, I have to say though that we, as a group, do not control who has access to the pitches. That function is performed by the Devon Football Association.

If you want to complain about the litter, you can click on Report Problems in the menu on the left and you will find contact details for the Devon FA there. I would encourage you, and anyone else, to write or email them with your complaint and, with luck, that will have the desired effect.

On Sun 05th Aug 2007 @ 05:32, DAVID said this:

How much does it cost to supply and fit an infant swing.
it has been over six months since the second swing was taken away
from the park.i relise that the childrens play area is being upgraded.but surly two chains and a plastic seat would not break
the bank, of course two or more bench seats would not go a miss.
these were taken away over two years ago. i notice the Hoe yes the jewel in crown as had all there seats renewed latly.
how about bringing the old ones down to tothill park.
Please, please,convince the council the park is used by the older
generation a well as the young and we need to sit down to enjoy
the park.
Dave

On Sun 05th Aug 2007 @ 10:48 Pat replied with:
The committee are in agreement with you.
But we have limited finances and if we keep eating away at them we will not be able to finance the playground project that was requested by the residents when the Friends group was set up nine months ago.
The current seats and litter bins are being painted on Thurs 23rd, by a volunteer group from Marjon college, and we will contact the council to see if some of the old seating can be refurbished.
A residents meeting will be held in the community centre on Wed. 22nd Aug @ 7pm, when we hope to give positive news as to commencement of at least two of the major projects that are in the tendering process.

On Thu 02nd Aug 2007 @ 14:37, Sam said this:

It\'s been said that there is a road that will be built behind the park in front of the new houses and its for taking traffic from the new town at plymstock and will affect households nearby. Is this right?
On Fri 03rd Aug 2007 @ 08:34 Rob replied with:
Hi Sam,

Plymouth City Council are currently looking at a number of ideas not only with a view to increasing the traffic flow from the proposed new houses at Sherford, but across the city in general as they always do. We are aware that there is talk of a new road coming into the city by using the land currently occupied by the railway lines to the rear of Knighton Road but would stress that it is just an idea at present.

At our next public meeting on the 22nd of August, we have invited a representitive from the Plymouth City Council development team to come along and discuss any plans they have for this area and we were pleased to receive a positive repsonse from them. I would suggest that you attend the meeting and then you will know as much as we do. Hope that helps.

On Tue 24th Jul 2007 @ 07:27, Rob Cullum said this:

Thanks so much for your answer. I have to say that the effort in creating this website and what\'s gone into making the park much better for evryone has not gone unnoticed. I would like to become involved by coming along to the next working morning and any future meetings as I use the park a couple of times a day. Can you please let me know how I can get involved.
Many thanks
Rob
On Tue 24th Jul 2007 @ 13:50 Rob replied with:
Hi Rob,

Thanks for your kind words and, as it happens, the next working morning is this Saturday so your timing is impeccable. If you would like to just turn up at 10 in the morning, we will all be there regardless of the weather and very pleased to see you indeed! Other than the working mornings though there are loads of ways you (and anyone) can help the park.

I guess the easiest way to find out is to click on "Vacancies" to see if you could take on any of the roles we currently have vacant or you might want to click on "Be a Friend" to get a list of things you can do to help. Whatever you decide to do though, just being a friend of the park means that you swell the ranks of supporters who all share, pretty much, the same aims! Just for your information though - the next public meeting is Wednesday the 22nd of August and it would be great if you could turn up to that because this meeting will be the one that starts to show, at last, some real and concrete improvements in the park.

On Fri 20th Jul 2007 @ 07:17, Rob Cullum said this:

Is it true that the community centre and library are being redeveloped?
On Tue 24th Jul 2007 @ 06:51 Rob replied with:
Hi Rob,

So far as we are aware this is just rumour and no more than that. We, ourselves, have no plans in this direction since the community centre is not classed as part of the park and we have heard nothing from the council with this regard.

What we do know however is that the police, via the PACT initiative (click on the PACT link in the main menu for more information), have promised that they will get the centre repainted to cover the graffiti and that this will happen within the next three months so at least there is some positive news!

On Thu 19th Jul 2007 @ 09:10, Alan said this:

A great site and a great idea. I\'m sure we all look forward to an improved park for all!!
On Thu 19th Jul 2007 @ 20:52 Phil replied with:
Alan, I'm glad you have found the content of this site useful and I hope that you will become a regular visitor as we constantly update the site as projects develop and news occurs. The FOTP committee has been going for nearly a year now and although on the surface only subtle changes to the park have happened a huge amount of work has been done in the background to ensure funding, when available is used correctly using feedback from park users and local residents.

Please tell your friends of this website as the more people become aware the easier our task to make those real lasting changes.

On Sat 14th Jul 2007 @ 18:36, colin said this:

I am very pleased to see this site set up and the ammount of interest/commitment shown. can i make two suggestions? 1.If nobody on the committee has already thought of this;a specific role of police liaison.There are police community support officers now assigned to this area who can be contacted by email or telephone to alert them of on going issues,for instance new graffiti or damage collecting needles and they are supposed to support community events and initiatives such as this. They also work closely with the council and can assist in putting pressure on elected councillors to support any initiatives. I would be more than willing to act as a single point of contact if this would helpas I know the officers personally and they are very keen to get involved in the community. Secondly,I notice the discussion regarding Blagdons field area....for a long time I have been trying to get the RSPB and the train operators to take an interest in the section of embankment behind cleveland road. This has over the years become overgrown attracting loads of wild birds including sparrow colonies (now quite rare)as well as slow worms,lizards,and hedgehogs. Not strictly anything to do with the park,I know but may be a case for expansion in the future?! Thanks again for producing this excellent site.
On Mon 16th Jul 2007 @ 14:50 Rob replied with:
Hi Colin,

First off, our thanks for what we consider to be your valuable suggestions. The role of a Police Liaison Officer was not something we had previously considered and we thought it an excellent idea. So much so in fact that we have decided to act upon it and have sent you an email to your email address.

With regard to the wildlife you mention, we are currently looking for a person to fill the role of wildlife officer and this could certainly be something that falls within his or her remit so, again, our thanks for pointing that out.

On Fri 01st Jun 2007 @ 14:01, John said this:

I walked through the park on Saturday afternoon after you had picked up the litter and tidied the viewing mound. I need to say how impressed I have been by your efforts. I offer thanks for myself and on behalf of all park users for the work you have done.
On Sat 02nd Jun 2007 @ 14:53 Phil replied with:
John, thankyou for your kind words of encouragement regarding our monthly "working mornings" it is no doubt appreciated by all who has taken part. Unfortunately long gone are the days when we paid council tax and recieved comprehensive services, Plymouth City Council Parks Division like most departments is under extreme pressure to save costs and become more efficient with a diminishing budget. Therefore as taxpayers, we can no longer expect our parks to have the same resources (either finacially or manpower) as in the past. It is upto us, the local community and park users to do our bit to ensure Tothill Park remains an attractive place to visit.

The FOTP Committee decided "working mornings" would be an ideal way of getting local residents and park users involved in the regeneration of the park. It's low level stuff but everyone who has come along has said afterwards they felt that they had "done their bit".

Since we started the "working mornings" in November 2006 we have: Planted 900 daffodils. Planted 20 trees. Put up with local children 15 bird/bat boxes. Created 2 rose beds and re-planted an exisiting one. Improved the viewing mound by removing overgrown grass and done the edging around it's perimeter. Removed a large amount of litter at each "working morning".

I would be extremely grateful if you could recommend this website to your friends or anyone who has an interest in Tothill Park, the more visitors to the site the easier it will be for the Committee to spread the word about what we are trying to achieve. This we hope will then get more of the local community and park users involved in our projects.

On Tue 15th May 2007 @ 10:51, P Phillips said this:

congratulations on website,it\'s clear and easy to use. Keep up the good work.
On Tue 15th May 2007 @ 14:47 Rob replied with:
Thank you indeed - it's so nice to receive credit from time to time :)

On Sun 13th May 2007 @ 13:50, Hevs R said this:

Dear fellow friend of Tothill Park, Thank you very much for your recent update on the park progress and proposed developments. I am keen a remain a voice to planned friends projects. Firstly thank you for getting the bottle banks moved, a long overdue milestone that has benefitted all park and nearby facility users. The additional tree\'s and border maintainance is noted and much appreciated. I have some points and concerns with reference to the objectives you outlined in the newletter: 1. Since the removal of the shelter in beaumont \'walled\' park there has been an increased number of sightings of the people who used to use this shelter in tothill park, I have nothing personally against these people but they are nearly drinking and perhaps park users in particular people with children need to be aware of the potenital risk if a new shelter for them was placed on the mound in the park. 2. Public toilets is also a nice asset for park users however un-maned do carry risks for drug use etc. I wonder if this is why the toilets in beaumont park were also removed, the ex-parkies house (newly renovated) and surroudning garden in beaumont park was certiantly full of evidence of nedle use and I am concerned a public facility in Tothill park could go the same way usless properly maned and maintained. 3. Why are you proposing to remove the former air-raid shelter? The library and community centre of not the most asthetically pleasing park assets (at present, I appreicate you hope to re-develop these too) and are hidden behind it and the mount also helps reduce the travel of foul lanuage from the football club players. 4. The cycle track is a lovely idea and i\'m sure it\'ll be well used, just hopefully not by the mini-motobike\'s. I hope my point of view is useful to you, I really appreciate all the time and effort the friends committee put it and keep up the good work.. Kindest regards,
On Sun 13th May 2007 @ 13:57 Phil replied with:
First of all let me thank you for taking the time to contact us with your comments. The map of proposals that was attached to our newsletter was a consultation plan drawn up for us by the council parks architect. Some of the items in it have been discarded or amended. The air raid shelter will not be removed, firstly because it is part of the park heritage, and secondly, it would take an awful lot of explosives to even put a dent in it! The park toilets are always a point for discussion. We have approached the Heritage Lottery Fund for a substantial grant and they are very keen on funding a park keeper. If we had a park keeper, we could refurbish the toilets and it would be part of his duties to open and secure them as he or she came on and off duty. If we considered a shelter as a meeting place for the residents, it would be of the newer type that is on the market, which is of an open design so that it has an unobstructed view both in and out.

On Thu 10th May 2007 @ 07:11, Colin said this:

Would it not be a good idea that now we have decent recycyling to also have a container for paper and card - thanks
On Thu 10th May 2007 @ 11:06 Rob replied with:
Hi Colin, Paper and card recycling is done from your house via the normal recycling collection and, consequently, I don't think that we need a seperate recycling bank for this because most people are catered for by the household collection. If you are unable to recycle using this method for some reason the people to talk to are the city council recycling department. You can send them an email from here: recycling@plymouth.gov.uk

On Tue 01st May 2007 @ 16:14, Jane M said this:

On the former air raid shelter, i think a better use would be to plant some of the trees on top instead of demolishing it. Not only is there history interest in the air raid shelter but it also acts like a windbreak for Cleveland Rd. Planting trees there would add to the windbreak and give something nice to look at.
On Wed 02nd May 2007 @ 19:56 Phil replied with:
Jane, the FOTP Committee recently held a meeting with a representative (see news article) from The Heritage Lottery Fund to explore if we could apply for funding from the organisation. Ms. Spry-Phare was impressed with the work done so far and was extremely interested in the history of the park and how it has been used by the community over the years. As part of the research the former air raid shelter was identified as an important feature of the park (built by Americans during WWII) and therefore will remain. As part of the regeneration of the park we envisage that once sufficient information is collected then history boards will be made and located around the park. As for planting through with trees or shrubs that will depend on the depth and suitability of the soil and if that is in keeping with the character of Tothill Park.

On Mon 30th Apr 2007 @ 19:10, Pam Stees said this:

In general the ideas for the park are good, but please no cycle track in the proposed area. It could be dangerous to dog owners, dogs and young people so I would suggest putting it in the dog free area.
On Mon 30th Apr 2007 @ 19:27 Phil replied with:
Pam, the cycle track which according to the environmental enhancement plans surrounded one of the football pitches was deemed by many people who provided feedback an unsuitable location. The FOTP Committee has taken this onboard and has decided to relocate the track to the "Teenage Zone" adjacent to the current basketball court to ensure a safer facility for both cyclists and park users.

On Mon 30th Apr 2007 @ 18:51, Graham Dear said this:

Are you aware that Tothill Park may have been laid out by a famous landscape gardener? Maybe someone out there has some more information. Also would you consider putting an article in the Herald asking if readers have any stories or photos of the park. I think that would make a good addition to the website.
On Mon 30th Apr 2007 @ 19:23 Phil replied with:
Graham, thank you for submitting your questions, our Vice-Chairman, Roger Haskell has been compiling information about the park's history which we hope to use by providing information boards in the park. He wasn't aware of the possibility that Tothil Park may have been laid out by a famous landscape gardener but he will check it out. Regarding placing an article in the Herald, I agree that is a good idea and our Liaison Officer, Deborah Pethick will shortly submit an article asking readers if they have any photos or memories about the park that they would like to share with us. I think eventually this website will have a history area but be patient as it's still early days.

On Mon 30th Apr 2007 @ 18:47, Mike Elliott said this:

At the public meeting held earlier this month you stated you intended to refurbish the 5-a-side court. Would it not be better to move it to where the changing rooms are so that tournaments can be held?
On Wed 02nd May 2007 @ 19:47 Phil replied with:
Mike, the FOTP Committee and Plymouth City Council (PCC) looked all the park facilities locations and as part of the study investigated if they needed relocating. The bottle bank which was sited outside of Tothill library was deemed to be located in an undesirable position so was moved to Farringdon Road. Due to the costs involved and the lack of another suitable location the Committee has decided that the 5-a-side court will remain in it's current location. PCC has also granted the lease of the changing rooms you refer to, to a local football team therefore we will not now be allowed to include this area in any future regeneration.

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