Abandoned boats which have become a longstanding problem at North Corner and Cornwall Beach are set to be removed after the Ministry of Defence agreed to clear the site.
The move follows years of concerns from residents over the condition of the area, including the abandoned vessels and damaged steps leading down towards the beach.
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard has been campaigning with residents over the issue and held a public meeting earlier this year as efforts continued to establish who was responsible for the site.
Ownership has now been confirmed as resting with the MOD, which has agreed to remove the abandoned boats and carry out repairs to the damaged steps.
Mr Pollard said: “I’m proud to have finally delivered a solution to this longstanding problem after years of campaigning with local residents.
“The abandoned boats and deteriorating condition of the site have frustrated local people for far too long. Now that ownership has been confirmed, the MOD will clear the boats and repair the damaged beach steps.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped keep the pressure on and supported this campaign. Let’s now make sure North Corner and Cornwall Beach are places we can all be proud of and enjoy for years to come.”
Former councillor Bill Stevens and local councillor Mark Coker have also supported efforts to address the problems at the site.
Reform UK councillor Paul Rielly has recently separately raised concerns about the condition of the area and the potential risks to people using it.
Speaking about North Corner, Cllr Rielly said: “It’s only a matter of time before some child gets injured.
“There are also drug users and drinkers that sit down there, who are vulnerable citizens.
“I’ve seen this place deteriorate and I have only been a councillor since May. People are frustrated. It’s a mess and needs to be tidied up.”
While the MOD agreement provides a way forward for the abandoned boats and damaged steps, questions remain over the future of the nearby pontoon.
The pontoon remains the responsibility of Plymouth City Council, which is expected to consider what happens to it once the clearance work at the site has been completed.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post /Boat images Submitted