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4 September 2020
 The recent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth shows we cannot be complacent.
The majority of the new cases have been related to people returning from holidays abroad. These included a group of young people who had been in Greece.
Young people often have mild symptoms but, as this outbreak showed, it can still spread relatively easily.
We’ve also had an outbreak related to a factory in the city.
These outbreaks have been contained in line with the city’s outbreak management plan but they underline the importance of all us keeping up the simple measures to stay safe.
These include social distancing, washing hands, wearing face coverings properly in confined indoor public spaces and self-isolating and getting tested as soon as we have any symptoms.
Despite the recent rise, Plymouth still has a relatively low number of cases per head of population compared to the national average. By all working together we can keep it that way and prevent the need for any restrictions that would impact on Plymouth businesses.
You can always check the latest position in the city by visiting our COVID-19 web pages.
 One of the world’s most impressive international sailing events, SailGP, will stop in Plymouth in July 2021 following events in San Francisco and New York.
Featuring fast and furious racing in the Sound and celebrity competitors including Sir Ben Ainslie, it’s going to be an unmissable weekend of adrenaline-filled competition between nations, which you can view from the shoreline.
Plymouth was selected following a competitive six-month-long bid process involving five other UK cities and we couldn't be more excited to be working in partnership with SailGP to bring this amazing spectacle to the city.
A serial fly-tipper has been handed a suspended prison sentence, made to pay £2,490 and banned from running a waste company after being found guilty of a string of offences at Plymouth Magistrates Court.
Paul Short, who operated a business known as Shortys, was charged with two counts of fly-tipping and two counts of knowingly causing a fly-tip over a period of two years.
The court heard how Short fly-tipped waste on Forder Valley Road and in rear lanes in Lipson Avenue and Waterloo Place, as well as at a builders’ yard in Stoke Gabriel.
He was given a 26-week prison sentence (suspended for 12 months) and banned from running a waste business for five years. He will be subject to a curfew and forced to wear an electronic tag for three months.
He was also ordered to pay £2,000 in legal costs and £390 in compensation to the builders’ yard owners, as well as a £100 victim surcharge.
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 Work has started on a project to transform the upper end of Plymouth city centre.
Major improvements in Old Town Street and New George Street include a new play space between House of Fraser and Debenhams with a curved seat so parents can enjoy watching children at play, as well as a small performance space.
Tired raised planters will be replaced with lush green ‘islands’, planted with trees including Scots pine, silver birch, pin oak, wild cherry and lime and flowering species that supply vital nectar for pollinators such as bees.
Attractive places will be provided for people to stop and rest and the taxi rank (which will include provision for electric vehicles) will be relocated to St Andrews Cross and Eastlake Street.
The project, which is a collaboration with British Land and part of our Resurgam economic recovery programme, aims to make a better impression for visitors enjoying the £50 million Barcode leisure complex and The Box, due to open at the end of this month.
Have you received a letter asking you to check the right people are registered to vote at your address?
New rules this year mean you may not need to respond but you must still check your details are correct.
If your letter says you do need to respond please do this by Thursday 10 September, to save us having to send a final reminder or make further contact.
It’s quick and easy to respond online or by text – and it saves time and money!
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Free courses covering digital skills, health and wellbeing, foreign languages and more are now available for adult learners in Plymouth and surrounding areas.
The courses are being provided by On Course South West, (part of the Council) to help adults achieve personal goals, support their wellbeing or develop confidence and abilities in both their personal and working lives.
There are 55 course options, all delivered through online learning platforms used successfully by On Course South West tutors and learners since March.
A focus on skills is a key part of our Resurgam economic recovery plan and the courses will feature on Skills Launchpad Plymouth, the one-stop service helping local people equip themselves with the skills and confidence they will need to play a part in the city’s future.
It supports those who are facing redundancy through the Adult Hub and offers targeted support for young people through the Youth Hub.
If you are aged 19 or over and would like to find out more call 01752 660713 or visit the On Course South West website.
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Useful links
Latest Government guidance
COVID-19 FAQs: what you can and can't do
What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms
How the NHS Test and Trace service works
NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) website
Plymouth information
Plymouth City Council's COVID-19 website
Check your bin day
Plymouth news
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