Horror dog attack, plastic windows, Christmas lights and more....

It's your midweek Beagle on Wednesday November 12!

Dog attack on Plymouth Hoe

Police are investigating a horrific dog attack on Plymouth Hoe that left a man needing a tetanus jab from bite wounds, and a pet dachshund with severe injuries.

Kris Fergus was with his family, including his young son, when the incident happened last weekend.

A rottweiler attached the small dachshund, called Lola, ripping flesh from her legs and back. Lola’s squeals could be heard more than 200 yards away.

Kris posted photos of the aftermath to his Facebook page and appealed for help and information.

He wrote: “If anyone was up on Plymouth Hoe (on Saturday) around 1310 and witnessed a Rottweiler attacking my dachshund and me, please get in touch. I’m trying to identify the owner, as I’d really like to have a word with them. Any information would be greatly appreciated.. PLEASE SHARE”

Police said: “We are investigating a dog attack which happened on Plymouth Hoe on 8th November. Enquiries are currently ongoing and officers have contacted the victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting reference number 50250288117.”

Promoters say there may be no more Summer Sessions - ever!

The Beagle broke the news last week that next year’s Summer Sessions on The Hoe was cancelled.

Our news was quickly copied by the BBC, Plymouth Live and Plymouth Plus.

Now a statement from the concert organiser appears to suggest that it’s not just the 2026 event that is shelved - but the entire future of the Summer Sessions events in Plymouth.

There are no plans for future Hoe events, it seems. All this is in spite of a gushing statement from Plymouth Council leader Tudor Evans last summer saying he wanted a five-year deal for the concert series.

The Sessions were organised by Cuffe and Taylor, one of the UK’s top live music and event promoters.

In a statement to The Beagle, a spokesman said: “We thank the local community, partners, and audiences for their continued support. While there are no plans for future editions, we remain open to opportunities in the region.”

Double glazed uPVC windows plan for Grade 1 and 2* Royal William Yard…?

It’s emerged that apartments in the Royal William Yard - home to the largest collection of Grade I and Grade 2* listed military buildings in Europe and considered one of Britain’s most important groups of historic military buildings - might be in line for plastic windows.

The Royal William Yard Residents Association has told members there is an active plan being finalised for a submission to replace existing windows with double-glazed uPVC alternatives.

Designs, which mimic the existing windows, have already been approved by Historic England. Cost would be approximately £900 per window, depending on size.

In an email to residents, the association chairman Mark Ingrouille wrote: “This would be a heavy initial cost for leaseholders, but would nullify the need for planned painting and repair works.” This would be subject to a Section20 request (an appeal against previous rulings about listed buildings).

Residents of other listed buildings in Plymouth will, the Beagle is sure, be watching with interest.

…meanwhile UPVC plan in Lockyer Street is rejected

Plans to replace ten wooden windows with uPVC alternatives at a building in the Hoe conservation area have been rejected by Plymouth Council.

The application for the rear of 9-13 Lockyer Street, which had been used as a hostel and which can be seen from Alfred Street, would have impacted the conservation area.

Planning officers wrote that the proposed uPVC windows “do not reflect the

historic character and appearance of the building, and would fail to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of The Hoe… particularly on a building which is identified as positively contributing to the conservation area. The harm caused would not be outweighed by any public benefits.”

Fire drama on The Hoe

High drama on the Hoe today (Wednesday Nov 12) when emergency fire tenders and support vehicles gathered.

Some onlookers might have suspected another blazing rubbish bin!

But no - this time it was a film and photo shoot for publicity purposes.

Fire teams were staying tight lipped while polishing and showing off their vehicles.

If anyone knows more, please throw The Beagle a bone by emailing: contactthebeagle@gmail.com

Countdown to Christmas with lights switch-on events

The countdown to Christmas is officially on.

Plymouth’s city centre lights are switched on tomorrow (Thursday Nov 13).

There is entertainment in The Piazza area from 4pm, with the cast of Scrooge! The Musical from the Plymouth Theatre Company joined by Mrs Doubtfire from Theatre Royal Plymouth, Santa Claus, and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Kathy Watkin.

The big lights switch-on is at 6.45pm.

Earlier Drakes Circus switches on its lights at 5pm, with snow flurries in Old Town Street starting at 4pm.

Other dates for your festive diary:

The Barbican Christmas Lights will be switched on by Santa, a special guest and this year’s community hero on Saturday 15 November. Santa arrives on the RNLI lifeboat at about 4.30pm, with the light switch-on at 5.15pm.

Winter Wonder Lights bring sparkle to Union Street with an event from 5pm to 7pm on Friday November 21 - with free hot chocolate!

Meanwhile the annual Plymouth Christmas Market opens on Thursday 27 November.

And finally….

The stone pillar at the entrance to Elliot Terrace is finally back where it belongs, after being knocked over by a scaffolding lorry earlier this year!

Quite why it took so long is a mystery - but it’s nice to see it upright once more. 😁