Mystery man behind street name campaign
By Plymouth Herald | Saturday, June 09, 2012, 05:30
A SECRET letter-writer has claimed responsibility for sparking an outcry over plans to change the name of the city's longest road.
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How The Herald reported the street name controversy last month
As reported in The Herald, residents of the northern end of Wolseley Road in the west of Plymouth were outraged last month after it emerged that the city council was considering the name-change.
The change would slash the end off Plymouth's longest road and cost every household in the affected area about £50.
Letters from the council arrived at 212 homes between Saltash Passage and St Budeaux last month, advising residents of a consultation over the proposed new name.
The council said that street layout changes had left the end of Wolseley Road appearing as separate and not a continuation.
Now a second letter has dropped on the doormats of residents.
In it the anonymous letter-writer claims responsibility and explains his or her motives.
But "Juan Tunami" (not their real name) was still refusing to break cover.
"Juan is not my real name," he said in an email to The Herald. "I prefer to keep my identity private as there are nutty people out there and I have other people to consider."
In the letter "Juan" writes: "This road was not always called Wolseley road.
"Our road, before the Weston Mill Creek was partly filled in, was called "the road to the ferry.
"Saltash Passage, as it has been known for a very long time, is the name we are all familiar with."
"Juan" also makes the case for other names, including "Riverside" and "Ashe Torre Passage".
He says the name change would enhance the area's attraction to tourists and highlight the hundreds of years of history.
"As the profile of the area is raised, so too will be the desirability and value of your homes. £50 is a small investment that will repay you many, many times over."
He cites attractions like the Kinterbury Creek Reserve, The Kloof, Tamar River Sailing Club, the old ferry cottages and ferry slipways.
"We need to change the name to reflect how unique our area is," he writes.
"Juan" rejects claims by some neighbours that there would be significant costs in addition to the statutory £50 fee for each household.
"To change the road name on your deeds is free. Driving licence change of address is free. All other changes are probably free and do not need changing immediately."
Howard Beveridge, who lives in Wolseley Road, said: "I feel he is trying to manipulate people's opinions but I am standing firm. I don't want the name to change at all."
Comments
"Nice people ALREADY live in Wolseley Road.... changing the name will make no difference. They already have the desire to improve their houses and any unnecessary costs might hinder those already improving their houses. The recession has hit many people very hard and probably delayed many house improvements.
Businesses have already started to move into St Budeaux as the Trelawny Pub is now individual shops (so much better). The indian takeaway on the corner closed (as far as I'm aware) because no-one could park to stay to eat or to collect a take-away meal.
If the change goes ahead it WILL cost £50 per householder. All the documents that relate to the property will have to have the address changed. If you have a will leaving the property to someone, the address would have to be changed, adding a codicil or making a new will, this would generally involve a solicitor which will cost more. Pension companies will need the address change in writing (I have checked) All house numbers will need to be changed, some people will not be able to do this themselves and will have to call a builder, this will cost more. If the number is wrought into the gate, this will need to be changed and would involve finding a blacksmith. If the number is in stained glass this would involve a glazier, tagged pets will need the address changed in the electronic tag, this involves a trip to the vet (they're not free).... I don't think this is "peanuts".
Changing the name of the road does nothing for the POSTCODE rating of the area, as I have stated numerous times, this is how insurance companies rate an area. Crime figures are recorded by POSTCODE area not initially by the road name.. Feel free to check on a search engine!! It only takes a minute!! Go to the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary website, the search engine on it asks for your POSTCODE.
Changing the name of the road will not encourage the council to spend more money on regenerating the area, this will happen in time when the council decides to do something about it. It took years just to have the road re-surfaced. The council has had a huge cut in it's finances. Job cuts and pay freezes over the last two years are still hampering progress. The money has to come from somewhere, if it grew on trees it would be called "LEAVES".
I am proud to live on the longest road in Plymouth, I love my home, and I love my neighbours. I think the area needs to be improved, but changing the name of the road will not paint my railings or pave my driveway or fill in the pothole outside my gate. It will not pick up the dogs mess that a recent person allowed to be left next to my car door. It will not trim the hedges or re-line the road. It will not make any difference to the day to day life of the area."
By lonefreerange at 16:24 on 16/06/12
ReportAgain, we are back to the importance of using WORDS correctly, so that you can communicate in a succinct and easy to understand manner.
By jamandchips at 19:29 on 15/06/12
ReportAnd who is riverview?
By jamandchips at 19:28 on 15/06/12
ReportThe barbican cobbles are, in fact 'Setts'
"....Setts were relatively even and roughly rectangular stones that were laid in regular patterns....."
By jamandchips at 19:27 on 15/06/12
ReportWallowing in the mud...,
I have a good idea!!
Lets use pearls as cobbles!!
Positives
1. They are the right shape
2. They are costly enough to please Tamarview
3. They would look nice
Negatives
1. Crime might increase (the pearls might get stolen by the locals)
2. Crime might increase (the pearls might get stolen by the tourists)
3. Crime might increase (the pearls might get stolen)
By lonefreerange at 19:24 on 15/06/12
Report