Proposal to create town council for city suburb

A CALL for Plympton to become independent from Plymouth and have its own town council is gaining support in the community.

- ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

Plympton's four Independent councillors - Patrick Nicholson, Terri Beer, Andrea Loveridge and Sally Nicholson - are proposing the move as the government seeks to improve local engagement between councils and their communities under local government reorganisation.

Green councillor for Plympton Chaddlewood Ian Poyser says he also "totally supports" the proposal and that there is scope under the government's plan to adopt this level of neighbourhood governance.

Plympton's population is around 35,000 residents and it had a parish council for over 70 years but in 1967 administration passed to Plymouth City Council.

Cllr Patrick Nicholson (Plympton St Mary) says it's time Plympton gained its independence back. He claims residents and businesses will all benefit from having a town council which is closer to the community with better "community cohesion".