Council objects to St Luke's Lighthouses; steaming on the Waverley; waterside plans at the V.O.T, Scene on the Sound, and more...

After the storming success of the "Beryl Trail" statues commemorating artist Beryl Cook, anticipation has been growing for the Guiding Lights - a spectacular line-up of more than 40 show-stopping lighthouse sculptures mapping out a magical journey around the Ocean City this summer.

Sponsored decorated lighthouses are planned by St Luke's Hospice to be in place from July to September.

But Plymouth's Highways department has lodged objections to some of the artworks planned for the waterfront - saying they are too heavy, too big, and that they are worried about Health and Safety.

The eye-catching 2.4m tall lighthouses – each one designed and decorated by an accomplished individual artist, and many sponsored by big-hearted local businesses – were to be on display in prime locations. When mounted on a plinth, each weighs in at 850kg.

Yesterday (Thursday) the council's 'Local Highway Authority' lodged objections to some of the statues. It says many waterside locations are not designed to support each lighthouse's weight and it warns that land in some locations is at risk of being damaged.

The authority goes on to warn that the lighthouse bases will be tripping hazards.

It says it has "little option" but to object to the plans for lighthouses on Grand Parade, Hoe Road at Tinside Lido, and next to the Salumi restaurant in Millbay. And it has "concerns" for lighthouses planned for Hoe Road at the Coffee Shack, Maderia Road at the Napoleon Memorial, and in West Hoe Park - asking the artworks are moved, or their plinth bases coloured to avoid being trip hazards.

Guiding Lights was launched last year with the unveiling of the trail’s first full-size lighthouse, a vibrant homage to Plymouth and its people, by celebrated artist Brian Pollard, a patron of St Luke’s.

St Luke's says the Guiding Lights trail would be "colourful, joyful, accessible and inclusive, gently encouraging people to get outdoors, get moving, and explore their surroundings."

Councillors will decide on the proposed artwork locations soon.

Full steam ahead for a Waverley weekend

Paddle steam ship Waverley returns to Plymouth this Bank Holiday weekend with a series of cruises beginning today (May 22).

Her timetable includes an evening cruise departing the Barbican Landing Stage at 18:45 tonight taking in the Rame Heritage Coast, Whitsand and Cawsand Bay.

Cattewater Harbour Commissioners with support from Plymouth Waterfront Partnership have arranged for a jazz band to be playing on Commercial Wharf providing a warm welcome to passengers before they embark to enjoy their evening cruise.

Local businesses located on Commercial Wharf will also be open to welcome passengers and those planning to enjoy the start of the Bank Holiday weekend in the Barbican.

It's a good time to support the Waverley - the world's last ocean-going paddle steamer - which is facing a £400,000 increase in fuel costs in 2026.

Waverley last visited Plymouth in 2024 as part of the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners’ 150th Anniversary. Tomorrow (Saturday) she’ll be heading for Torquay, via Dartmouth and then back to Plymouth tomorrow night.  On Sunday,Waverley will head West again and on into the Bristol Channel 

For further information and to view ticket availability please visit https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/

Or why not cause a splash in the Lido or Mount Wise pools...

Tinside Lido and Mount Wise Swimming Pools are preparing to welcome their first visitors of the season tomorrow (Saturday 23 May).

Both venues will be open every day from midday to 6pm during term time and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays during school holidays.

Mount Wise, which features a 25-metre main pool, fun pool and children’s paddling pool and offers fantastic views across the River Tamar, will remain free of charge for another year.

Entry to the Grade II-listed Tinside Lido will cost £6.60 for Plymouth residents and £10.50 for non-residents, with concessionary rates applied.

Special ‘early bird’ swims are at Mount Wise on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 6.30am to 9am (£4) and at Tinside on Monday and Friday mornings from 6.30am to 9am (£6.60 for Plymouth adults and £5.25 for children).

Police appeal after West Hoe assault

Police want help to identify a man (pictured) in relation to an assault and theft in West Hoe. It happened at around 6pm on Saturday 28 March. Following a verbal exchange a man had his phone taken from him, and it was thrown over a wall.

Officers investigating the incident believe the man pictured may be able to assist with enquiries.

Can you help? Anybody with information is asked to phone 101 or visit the police website quoting 50260078147.

Waterside pub the VOT wants to build a new seating deck

The Victualling Office Tavern at Cremyll Street near the Royal William Yard has revealed ambitious plans for a new seating area on Freemans Wharf. It would cater for up to 70 people, and the work would also include a new bike rack, bins storage and planting.

The seating deck would include a glass ballustrade at the waterside and oak benches.

The proposal will bring in funds to help maintain the wharf area and the sea walls. which the VOT owns.

Supporters say the design is sympathetic and will help the pub's long-term viability at a time when the hospitality industry is struggling. In a letter to the council’s planning department, VOT owner Warren Kressinger-Dunn said the proposal had been developed after “extensive engagement and professional input.”

Some nearby residents have complained about the plans. But Owen, from the VOT, said on a social media post: "We know change is sensitive and we are listening to concerns, but we believe this would be a positive investment for Stonehouse."

Environmental health officers have requested that a planning condition be imposed to restrict the site's use to between midday and 7pm.

All aboard the beach bus!

The Bovisand ‘beach bus’ is making a welcome return this May half term.

The number 54, operated by Stagecoach South West and supported by Plymuth Council, takes passengers straight from Plymouth Royal Parade to Bovisand beach, where they can enjoy stunning views across the Sound.

The service will run daily from Saturday, 23 May to Sunday, 31 May. It will then return for the summer holiday, running daily from Saturday, 25 July to Sunday, 6 September.

Scene on the Sound

By The Captain, our maritime correspondent with his eyes on the comings and goings in The Sound

The German frigate Oldenburg and the Dutch combat support ship Den Helder have left the area.  As usual with warships, their future movements are not made public.  The only foreigner here under training at the moment is the Norwegian frigate Otto Sverdrup.  She has been here for three weeks now and, if she is doing the ‘traditional’ full Operational Sea Training package, she will be here for six weeks in total.  

On the British side,  RFA Proteus – the multi-role ocean surveillance ship – has been in and out a couple of times and the Army’s ferry FSL Hurst Point is presently in Devonport, having arrived last Tuesday. 

The four Point-class Ro-on/Roll-off ships are all on long term charter to the MoD and are kept busy moving military cargo, mainly from the UK to mainland Europe.  They displace 23,000 tons and can carry 130 armoured vehicles and 60 trucks and ammunition or 8,000 tonnes of vehicles.  They can also carry up to four helicopters of any size, up to the twin-rotor Chinook.  

The ships are operated, for the MoD, by Foreland Shipping Ltd., hence the ‘FSL’ before their names.  As well as FSL Hurst Point, her sisters Anvil Point and Hartland Point have both been in Devonport in the last year.  

Finally, due here next Tuesday (May 26) is the Ambassador Cruise Line MS Ambition.  However, she was detained in Bordeaux by the French authorities due to a Norovirus outbreak onboard, so she may not be here as planned.

Yours, aye

Advertisement:

And finally, did you see this?

Great work by the talented scientists of the Marine Biological Association in creating this nautical crocheted postbox topper on the Hoe! (Spotted by OnePlymouth)