We need to be ambitious for Plymouth

We asked city MPs and the city council's leader to write their Christmas messages for residents. Here's what they said...

AS we draw closer to Christmas and the New Year, I'd like to take the opportunity to wish all our residents a happy and enjoyable festive season, however you are spending the time.

I hope you will have the opportunity to join in the festivities with friends, family or others in your community, as well as take some time for yourself to recharge.

This has been another busy year for all of us in Plymouth and as I reflect back over the past 12 months, I am proud of what has been achieved.

Not just by the council but also the many partners that we work with on a daily basis.

While we have not been immune to the pressures seen in most local authorities across the UK, we have worked hard to deliver the services that are important to you.

In 2024 that included looking after 514 children in our social care system, supporting more than 3,700 vulnerable adults, collecting nearly 74,000 tonnes of refuse and recycling and maintaining more than 31,000 streetlights, 870km of roads and 903km of footways and cycle paths.

We have remained ambitious for our city and made huge strides in driving forward its economic growth, all the while having a key focus on building a better Plymouth. Not just for us but for our children and our grandchildren.

I would like to reflect on a small handful of our achievements...

In the last few months, we have signed contracts to secure the biggest sport and health investment deal in the region - bringing a new significant sports hub to Devonport. The £23m site will not just be for elite, super-fit athletes. We are working with partners including Plymouth Argyle Football Club and Plymouth Albion RFC to create facilities that will help everyone in Plymouth remain healthy and well.

We have completed our £18m district centre scheme at Derriford - a new heart for the north of the city anchored by a massive M&S store (that I am sure will be frequented by many of you over the next few weeks).