Work to restart but no end in sight for project

WORK has restarted to tidy up Central Park after a stalled upgrade left it branded a "moonscape" and an "eyesore".

- WILLIAM TELFORD

Residents in neighbouring streets have reported seeing "diggers" in the park this week, but Plymouth City Council said while contractors are back on site, planting will be delayed and it is not known when the project will be finished.

On social media the project has been called a "disaster", a "shambles" and "an unsightly mess" by some commentators. Others, however, were grateful that the work is restarting and have thanked the council for its honesty about the state of the upgrade.

It comes as approaching 3,000 people have now signed a petition urging the council to reopen the fenced-off areas of Central Park. The petition, which closes on Saturday, has surpassed the 2,500 names it needs for the future of the park and its upgrade work to be discussed by a scrutiny committee. If 5,000 names are gathered the issue will have to be discussed at a full council meeting.