27/05/2025
Devonport Park Travellers Update:
As many local residents know, on 13th May the Travelling Community pitched at Devonport Park around the perimeter of the small football pitch. Since then, several left and many more arrived, who have pitched on the bigger of the pitches. On the 14th May Plymouth City Council issued the Notice To Quit, which has now expired. The legal team in the Council then applied to the Courts for a date for a hearing for eviction to take place. Unfortunately, due to the backlogs within the Courts' system at this current time, the earliest date that could be given was the 6th June. So this is the date that the hearing will take place and the eviction should be granted.
Ward Councillors are aware of the negative impact that this unauthorised encampment has had on the local community, including the local schools who use the football pitches, park run being cancelled for the 2nd week running, fires being lit and quad bikes being driven around with no regard to pedestrian safety. We frequently visit the park (we are local too) and are dismayed at what has been taking place.
I have been actively responding to comments, where appropriate, on the Friends of Devonport Park page. I do not wish to inflame or upset people further with posting replies, but I believe it is important to respond to a questions with an answer.
We do not have all the answers, but we can assure that we are all doing our utmost to bring this unauthorised encampment to an end. However, we have to work within the current legal system.
I have been actively encouraging people both verbally, by email replies and facebook replies, to report any anti social behaviour to the Police via 101 or online, and if it is an emergency, to call 999. I am aware that many people have not received a response to their reporting and this is being raised as people at the least deserve a response.
It is heart breaking I know so see our beloved Heritage Park that has won so many awards, to be treated in this manner and for our local residents and children to have their enjoyment of the Park taken away or affected.
There will be work to be done no doubt when the travellers move on, and we will of course be looking at how we can make the Park Avenue entrance more secure. Sadly a grinder was taken to the parking post and this was removed therefore obtaining unauthorised access.
We are grateful to every single person who cares about our Park, wherever in Plymouth you live. Our Park has wide reaching audiences due to it's amazing community, facilities, resources and how beautiful it is.
As soon as we have more updates to issue, these will be issued and with permission from the Friends of Devonport Park, will be on their page too.
