Alison Stephenson

Independent testing found that odour-mitigation works at Sherford’s wastewater pumping station are functioning as intended and that the development is not contributing to the persistent “Plympton Pong.” However, residents continue to report severe early-morning smells that disrupt daily life and sleep. Councillors Terri Beer and Andrea Loveridge are pressing South West Water to identify the true source, which may be the Marsh Mills treatment works or another facility. South West Water has previously upgraded the site to reduce odours and sewage-spill risks, but the issue remains unresolved.

Thousands of tiny false chinch bugs have invaded homes and gardens around South View Park in Plympton, causing residents anxiety and disrupting sleep during hot weather. Plymouth City Council identified the insects as harmless Lygaeidae seed bugs, likely attracted by prolonged hot and dry conditions, and said they pose no public-health or building-damage risk. The council will not provide conventional pest-control treatment, expecting numbers to decline naturally as conditions change, although residents may seek private advice.

Plymouth City Council’s planning committee deferred a proposal for four lithium-ion battery storage cabinets on Tamerton Road near Woolwell, the A386, homes and Dartmoor National Park. Councillors requested detailed plans covering fire detection, monitoring, emergency response, chemical leaks and shutdown systems before deciding. The scheme’s supporters say battery storage can help integrate renewable energy and reduce fossil-fuel reliance, while councillors and fire-safety bodies warn that dispersed facilities may pose serious risks, including thermal runaway, toxic fumes and threats to public health and wildlife.

Reform UK councillor Carol Ney has resigned from the party's Plymouth group and returned to being an independent councillor, saying she cannot support its current direction. Her resignation followed Reform councillor Vanessa Tyler's social media comment appearing to support open fire on illegal migrants, which Plymouth leader Steve Ricketts said had been deleted and privately apologised for, requiring no further action. Ney and Plymouth Labour argue Tyler should be suspended while the comments are investigated. The dispute follows earlier criticism of the group over its handling of councillor Ben Rowe's historic Islamophobic and antisemitic posts.