City beach has become a 'dumping ground'

SAFETY fears have been raised at an historic Devonport beach beauty spot loved by swimmers, families and walkers, which residents say is being used as a dumping ground.

- By ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

Boat parts, tyres and litter are not only marring the North Corner quayside and Cornwall Beach area, across the water from Torpoint, but are posing a danger to children who play on the beach and in the sea.

Once a well respected and maintained area, significant to Plymouth’s history as a hub for dockyard workers, a landing area for ferries and trade and a departure point for convicts to Australia, the last 10 years has seen a decline in how the site is looked after, says the landlord of a pub on the waterfront.

Phil Head, who has been running the Steam Packet Inn for more than three decades, said: “It's a mess. It used to be lovely here but in recent years it's just become a dumping ground.

“People get hold of boats that are being given away, bring them here, strip them of anything worth keeping and abandon them. There are also a load of tyres on the beach and other items. Kids come down here and play but, when the tide is in, things are hidden and anyone in the water could easily have a nasty injury or worse?”

Mr Head said a special ceremony is held once a year at the memorial at North Comer in honour of Royal Marines from Plymouth who served and died in Operation Frankton, in France, during the Second World War.