All aboard the West Hoe train!

Plans approved, the Bishop quits before he starts, the continued decline of the Herald, and the Green Army are hoping to be another step nearer Wembley Way.

All aboard plans to enhance West Hoe Park play area

Photo: Jaggery Creative Commons License

Plymouth Council has approved plans to add a wooden train attraction to West Hoe Park and build a new catering kiosk and storage shed. The approval comes with strict conditions, including protecting all existing trees and hedgerows and taking other environmental measures.

The application from developers stated: “This proposal aims to make the park even better by upgrading existing facilities and creating a more engaging experience. This will boost the park's cultural significance and attract even more locals and tourists to the model railway and the park.”

One objection to the council feared the new unit would resemble a “storage container”. However, Historic England praised some aspects of the proposed design. The Hoe Neighbourhood Forum did not comment on the application.

Mount Edgcumbe Slipway reopens!

The Mount Edgcumbe slipway has officially reopened following extensive repairs, ensuring safe and reliable access for Cremyll Ferry passengers. The repair work, which began in late October, has been successfully completed, and the slipway is now fully operational. Plymouth Council moved to close the slipway when surveyors identified significant cracks and deterioration. The main concrete walkway had come loose and collapsed in places.

Catholic Bishop of Plymouth quits before he starts

The Catholic Diocese of Plymouth remains without a bishop after the second man appointed to the post resigned before taking up the position. It means the diocese has been without a formal leader for more than three years.

Bishop Philip Moger was to have been ordained last February, but the ceremony was cancelled after allegations were made against him. He made a personal statement this week:

“All things considered, I have come to the decision to present to the Holy Father a request to step down from my appointment as the Bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth. The Holy Father has accepted my request,’ said Bishop Moger. ‘I realise, with regret, that this leaves a continuing vacancy in the Diocese of Plymouth. I assure the lay faithful, clergy and religious of the Diocese of my good wishes and prayers and ask the same of them for me,’ he said.

Plymouth Herald sales slump

Sales of the city’s daily newspaper have plummeted further, recording one of the largest percentage drops in circulation among all daily newspapers in England. The Herald averaged just 2,763 sales per day in the last six months of 2024, down more than 28% on the previous year. The newspaper now costs £2.25 per weekday, and £2.35 on Saturday.

Tower turned blue

Smeaton’s Tower was turned blue this week as hundreds of people turned out to remember Sarah Roch, who recently died of cancer. Her funeral was held on Monday at The Park. Sarah worked at Derriford Hospital, which was also floodlit in blue light.

Hoax warning

There’s a warning about a Facebook hoax that has surfaced in Plymouth showing an unchipped dog that has been found after a hit-and-run incident in the city. It surfaced on the page “Shop Online Now--BUY-SELL-- PLYMOUTH AND SURROUNDING AREAS” which has more than six thousand members.

The Beagle has discovered that similar posts with the same pictures have been shared in other local Facebook groups including those for Blackburn, Birmingham and Belfast, claiming the dog has been found at these locations. It has even been shared in a group in Guelph, Canada, with claims the dog was found there.

The images of the injured dog have been circulating with almost identical claims of a hit-and-run since at least July 2023 in both England and Northern Ireland.

The group Full Fact has investigated, and found that these bogus posts are often later edited into completely different content, such as a survey, property listing or an advert for a cashback site. Be warned!

Something for the weekend

Plymouth Model Railway Show is at St Boniface’s Catholic College on Sunday. More than a dozen layouts, plus trade stands, and a miniature railway, it’s described as a dream day out for enthusiasts and families alike.

Daniel Phillips, Plym Valley Railway chairman "It gives me great pleasure to bring a model railway exhibition back to Plymouth. The event will showcase modelling skill from the local area and further afield. I can't wait to share some of the layouts which will be attending over the coming months. Many Plym Valley Railway members have a keen interest in modelling and I am looking forward seeing this come together at an event with the support of Chris' Crafts & Model Railways too."

10am to 4.30pm. £5 Adults, free for accompanied children under 16

And finally - Good luck Argyle (and Albi!)

The Green Army is in Manchester for the FA Cup Fifth round tie against Man City. tomorrow (Saturday). The game is live on ITV4, and kicks off at 5.45pm.

And don’t forget Plymouth Albion: with four games against the league’s top four teams in the next four weeks, Albion’s season will be defined in the next month. They travel to 3rd-placed Rams tomorrow. With Albion riding an impressive eight-game winning streak, this match presents a golden opportunity to push further up the table and shake up the league standings.