Blackened and bare patches 'blighting Hoe'

DISPOSABLE BARBECUES ARE 'RUINING THE GRASS'

- By CARL EVE

A RESIDENT who is fed up with the 'patchwork quilt' of 'blackened and bare patches' on Plymouth Hoe has urged those who bring their disposable barbecues to cook to leave the place as they found it.

The resident, who asked not to be named, raised the issue after recently attending the Hoe and spotting the damage done to the grass by those who choose to cook in the great outdoors, but particularly on the grass around Smeaton's Tower.

They said: "People tend to put their barbecues directly onto the grass, resulting in square or rectangular burnt patches when they have finished. Because the heat from the disposable barbecues has killed the grass roots, the burnt patches take a long time to regenerate.

"The end result is that the areas around Smeaton's Tower is starting to take on the appearance of a 'patchwork quilt' of blackened and bare patches.

"I think the problem is that people are not aware until they clear up afterwards. And because there is a constant turnover of new people who are unaware, the message does not get around.

"The Hoe is often cited as Plymouth's 'jewel in the crown'. I feel this jewel requires safeguarding."