Proper Plymouth area where tourists avoid has 'turned a corner'
A "proper local” Plymouth area where hardly any holidaymakers go has turned a corner and become a “really friendly” neighbourhood. Over the years Whitleigh has dealt with some anti-social issues, but as one woman living there said, “there’s good and bad everywhere”.
With a population of some 7000 people, Whitleigh these days is a far cry from when there were just a few houses and farms dotted about - as some older people remember it. But even these days, there’s a little piece of green where people gather - and it’s even got free parking.
Surrounded by woodland, Whitleigh has a pub, The Albemarle, and a selection of shops - including one with a new Mr Whippy window. Local residents describe the area as “friendly, calm and fantastic”.
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Whitleigh boy Andy Middleton grew up in this part of Plymouth - he says it’s always been a great place to live. A few years ago he set up his tattoo business on Whitleigh Green and although he now lives in another part of the city, he says working in Whitleigh is “like coming home”.
Andy turned a premises, formerly a charity shop, into his business Precision Ink Plymouth Ltd over three years ago. The 53-year-old, who is also a DJ, likes “giving back” to the local community and “boosting the immediate economy”, so he puts on regular events for locals.
He said: “It’s a nice area. I grew up here and I’ve nothing but good things to say about Whitleigh. Growing up here was great and the community on the green is fantastic.
"I still keep in touch with other Whitleigh boys that I grew up with, we had nothing when we were kids, now I like to give a little bit back. I set up Precision Ink Plymouth here and when I get to work everyday, it’s like coming home, it’s like I never left.
"I love the art of tattooing and the people you meet. Whitleigh Green has a lot of amenities, there’s also a huge playing field and lots of green space. The area is surrounded by woodlands and we try to keep it all looking nice.”
Whitleigh Green did look very clean and litter free (on October 1). People were making the most of the weather on what was a sunny autumn day - and groups of all ages were gathering to socialise over a cup of tea at nearby Porkies Cafe.
The long-established Porkies Cafe, on Whitleigh Green is a popular local’s spot - and the cafe team do much more than serving food and drink to the community. With the help of MPs, councillors and the Four Greens Community Trust, staff at Porkies Cafe organise a multitude of fun days out for locals to beaches and attractions like Longleat and Legoland.
Sharon Cross has been cafe manager at Porkies for years, she said: “The area is a lot better than when we first came here, it’s improved a lot over the years. People liaise with police and the council about anti social issues. I feel safe here and on the green it’s a nice atmosphere.”
The 62-year-old said there is however an “ongoing housing issue” in the area with “more affordable housing for locals needed”. One young mum, who travels from Mutley everyday on the bus to bring her kids to school in Whitleigh, agreed. She said she’d been “looking for a suitable home to rent” in Whitleigh for months.
Outside of Porkies cafe there’s an outdoor seating area where a group of residents ranging from ages 36 - 70 were having tea and a chat.
They discussed the “dangerous” unfinished housing development nearby called Whitleigh Gardens, where construction recently ceased after the company went bust.
Tom Buckley, aged 36, has lived in Whitleigh for 16 years, he said it’s “changed for the better”. He said there are allotments for residents, and with it being surrounded by woods it feels “open”. Tom set up Facebook page Edible Whitleigh to connect with the community through food.
He said: “There was nothing for the community so we started up activities and meet ups, it’s the community that has changed the neighbourhood for the better. Local’s carry people's bags of shopping for them if they’re in need.”
Resident Tina Adams, aged 64, has lived in Whitleigh for 44 years. She said: “It's calm and pleasant, there’s good and bad everywhere but more good than bad here.”
Pearce’s Snacks has been open on Whitleigh Green for 17 years (there’s another shop in Honicknowle). It’s run by husband-and-wife Lisa Pearce and “born and bred” Steve Pearce - along with a team of 13 workers.
Lisa, aged 55, met husband Steve, 60, when he popped into the food shop as a customer 15 years ago - and it was “love at first sight”. Over the years, shop Pearce’s Snacks has "become busier". Lisa worked in the shop under previous management before taking it on as her own.
She said: “We’ve kept really busy, I think the free parking on the green really helps - that’s a massive thing. I’ve never had any trouble here. Everyone knows each other either from working or walking in the dog field.
“You can walk through the woods into Southway. I spoke to an old man recently who remembers when Whitleigh was just a few houses and farms dotted around.
“As well as the shop - and we make a lot from scratch - we supply buffets which are popular with all the social clubs around Plymouth for parties or wakes. We’ve also recently put in a Mr Whippy window which the kids love for after school.”