Plymouth City Centre Cleans Up After Vandalism: Businesses Reopen, Residents Encouraged to Visit
Plymouth's city centre faced a difficult morning after a night of vandalism, with streets strewn with debris and damaged bins. However, a dedicated team of council workers worked through the night to restore the area, ensuring businesses could reopen and residents could enjoy the summer sunshine.
The Aftermath of the Vandalism
The aftermath of the vandalism was significant. Streets were littered with debris, including rocks, glass bottles, and even small paving stones ripped from the ground. The damage extended beyond the streets, with several bins being vandalized. The epicentre of the trouble appeared to be Royal Parade, which required the use of mechanical sweepers to clear the debris.
A Speedy Cleanup Effort
A team of nine council workers reported for duty at the depot by 4am, commencing the cleanup effort. Their dedication was evident, as they worked tirelessly to clear the debris and restore the city centre to its usual vibrant state. The team utilized mechanical sweepers to clear Royal Parade and swept glass from the road near Midland House. They also removed and replaced a burnt-out bin on the Hoe promenade and cleared rubbish left strewn near Tinside. By the time people began arriving for work at 8am, the team had successfully cleaned up a vast area.
Reassuring the Community
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Community Safety, expressed gratitude for the team's efforts, stating, "I can’t thank this team enough for restoring Plymouth’s city centre in time for the start of the working day." She also highlighted the city's resilience, noting, "It is thanks to their magnificent efforts, Plymouth is once again looking spic and span in the summer sunshine."
Recognizing the impact of the vandalism on local businesses, Councillor Haydon assured them that the city centre is safe and encouraged residents to show their support by visiting the area. She emphasized, "I know that last night has left city centre businesses shaken, but we would like to thank them for taking precautions by closing early and working with the police and the Council to minimise the potential for damage." She then addressed the community directly, stating, "And the message to our residents – the city centre is safe! Please show your support by popping down, spending time there, being part of the heart of Plymouth."
Reporting Damage and Seeking Support
For residents or businesses whose property was damaged during the incident, the police are still investigating. They encourage anyone affected to report the damage online or by calling 101 and to take photographs of the damage for evidence. Victim Support, an independent charity, is offering free and confidential support to victims of crime and anti-social behavior. They can be contacted by calling 0808 16 89 111 or visiting their website.
A Resolute City Centre
Despite the vandalism, Plymouth's city centre remains a vibrant hub of activity. The swift response of the council workers and the resilience of the community ensure that the city will continue to thrive. As residents and businesses show their support, the city centre will undoubtedly bounce back stronger than ever.
