After years of frustration for local residents, work has finally begun to clear vegetation from Central Park Avenue, reopening a key path that has been closed for years.

The works, which began on 27 August and will see a short one-way traffic system in place while clearance happens, mark the first step towards restoring safe access. Further works will follow in the weeks ahead to divert water that has repeatedly flooded the path. Cllr Charlotte Holloway and Luke Pollard MP have been jointly campaigning on the issue, with Holloway posting a recent video calling on Plymouth City Council to “Build That Wall!”

Cllr Charlotte Holloway, Labour Councillor for Drake ward, said: 

“I’ve been working to get this issue sorted since day one of being elected as a councillor here. Whilst it’s been a complex problem to sort, I’ve shared the frustration of residents and am now glad that this work finally begins to put it right. I’m pleased that our collective voice has made a difference and want to thank everyone involved for their patience and tenacity.”

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: 

“This is a win for local people who have been clear they wanted this bit of Central Park Avenue reopened. Charlotte and I have worked together to keep pressure on the Council, and today is proof that when residents together with their councillor and MP keep raising their voices, things move. The first step is happening now, and we’ll keep this on the council’s agenda until the permanent fix is funded and delivered.”

Cllr John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: 

“I want to thank Cllr Charlotte Holloway and Luke Pollard MP for keeping this issue firmly on my agenda. Their persistence has made sure residents’ concerns were heard and I’m glad work is finally underway. This is an important first step, and we’ll keep working with Charlotte and Luke to deliver the long-term solution residents deserve here.”

Although this week’s clearance marks a breakthrough, both Cllr Charlotte Holloway and Luke Pollard MP have made clear that longer-term investment will be needed to secure a permanent solution, which they will keep on the council’s agenda.