SAFER STOKE
24th September 2025
Minutes
1.Welcome and introductions
Present: Diane and Jade from The Village Hub
Parents of Stoke, Dionne Stoke Damerel Primary Tom, Tim, Martin, Sue and residents (14 people in today)
2 Actions / updates from previous meeting
2.1 Cllr Update
Tom Update: Resident Parking on pavements around Stoke Damerel school – commercial vehicles has right to park on streets if correctly taxed and MOT and if parked safely then they are ok to park. If pavements are obstructed then the council can do something and Tom can get enforcement out. Tom can get enforcement officers out around Stoke Damerel Primary and Secondary. Tom has photographed cars around SDCC.
If someone is parked dangerously then take a photo and then forward it to the councillors or follow the link on the council website.
Pedestrian control at top of Ford Hill – dangerous place to cross, Jemima started a campaign, promised last year to have a 3 way pedestrian crossing, delays because of cost. Meetings in the Council that still will happen, but not sure when.
Cllr’s look into how they communicate with residents so they know what is happening in the area and so they can have a say.
2.2 PCSO
Concerns raised over Church Street – plain clothes officers are looking into this and have made arrests. Problem with speeding cars – Martin is getting out as much as possible. The team is expanding to get more PCSO’s. The station is open 10-3, seven days a week so best if people come in. If there is a problem the email straight away so it is logged.
Note: If the PCSO’s share info make it known that not a PCSO meeting but one ran by The Village Hub there was confusion with residents
2.3 City Pastors Update
For 18 months they go out every four weeks into Stoke. Have lots of conversations with Karen in attendance. Once a month the Pastors will meet in The Village Hub, Wednesday 15th 1-3 for people to come in and chat and find out what city pastors do.
St Michael’s offers free food on Tuesday. Tim is looking to appoint a Family Support Worker (has funding for 5 years) and putting out an advert. Harvest Festival is supporting the Community Larder at their Harvest Festival on 5th October at 10.30am.
6th December Tree Festival at St Michaels Church.
2.4 Shops Contact Scheme
No update
2.5 Mapping Project Update
Report being shared with POP – Karen hoping to continue the work next year – aim to build on relationships and connections – opportunities via the Fun Day etc
2.6 Stoke Fun Day
Although it rained it was still a success and we used all the venues. Stoke in Bloom activities in Pauline’s were very popular. The next Stoke Fun Day is Sunday 19th July 2026
2.7 Stoke Damerel Church
The ground is looking good at the moment and the grass has been cut. A team from Devonport Park are helping with the gardening. Still fundraising for the roof.
2.8 COOP ACTIONS
No actions
3.0 UPDATES FROM THE ROOM
3.1 Parents of Stoke
Traffic light button outside Top Banana the button isn’t working, Call 668000 option 3 Highways and wait on the line to report
Northesk Street – problems with residents, spoke to PSCO, resident has logged and someone coming out. PCSO doing a sweep of the block.
Issue on Packington Street certain residents are causing an issue. The person has been reported to Guinness. PSCO looking in to it and looking into the log. More people that report things into the Police the better.
3.2 Stoke Damerel Primary
Working with the Council on parking around the school.
3.3 Council Update
Flooding – after the heavy raining fall affected St Levans and Millbridge, lots of homes were impacted. Working on how to stop buildings and roads flooding due to extreme weather. In Millbridge looking at options. Lots happening with drain unblocking working with South West Water. Adopt a drain scheme, if drain outside your house then have personal responsibility to help unblock your drain. With highways blocking contact the council’s 24 hour line
ACTION: Oly asked where the Flood responders are. Answer – Andrew is a volunteer flood responder working with Bric. He lives on St Levans road. Responsibility is to go out and monitor drains after a yellow weather warning, clear leaves off drains and notify PCC if drain is blocked underground. If you are interested in being a flood responder contact Bric – BRICTeam@plymouth.gov.uk
ACTION: Kate asked who to contact re a pot hole, need to speak to Watch man at Plymouth City Council.
3.1 RESIDENTS UPDATE
Oly attended a Plymouth Community Energy workshop on damp and mould – really useful, next one is on loft insulation. ACTION: Oly to bring a form into The Hub so people can apply. Please note If bitten by a dog then report it to 101.
A.O.B: None
DATES OF 2025 MEETINGS
Wednesday 26th November 10am
All meetings in Stoke Youth and Community Centre and time will alternate, November will be at 10am the meeting Wednesday 28th January will be 12.00
