On behalf of the "Friends of Tothill Park" (FOTP) Committee I would like to welcome you to the Tothill Park website. I hope the information found on the website goes some way to demonstrate why our group was formed, what our aims are and what we hope to achieve. I hope it also demonstrates our progress so far, our plans to unlock the park's potential and finally the commitment to this project by the Committee, Plymouth City Council, local residents and park users.

The idea of a community based action group was first conceived over a year ago and since then the progress from that point, to now where we have an established committee which has already achieved much has been extremely satisfying. It has also been pleasing to have the full support of Plymouth City Council (PCC), especially Mrs Linda Gilroy MP, Councillor Jean Nelder, (local Ward Councillor), Mr. Nick Jones, (Head of PCC Parks Division) and Mr. Liam Fitzmorris (Sutton Youth Development Worker) who have advised and guided the Committee on a wide range of issues.

Tothill Park, like many other parks around the country has suffered from years of under-investment and a reduction in maintenance hours as the manpower of the Parks Division has reduced. However it remains a valuable green space used heavily by the local community as a place to relax, exercise, socialise, unwind after a busy day or just appreciate nature.

We, the community believe in the potential of Tothill Park, we see the possibilities of unlocking this through improving the park infrastructure, re-furbishment of facilities and re-planting trees, shrub borders and introducing flowerbeds. This will increase the appeal and accessibility of the park to ensure we include all members of our community regardless of race, disability, gender, age or religion.

Our task, although daunting is now to seek funding which will enable the Committee to realise the ambition of the community and give park users and residents alike a park they can be proud of. We are committed to this task and will rise to the challenge, with help from various organisations and community support I believe we can realise our goal.

Regards

Phil "Friends of Tothill Park" Committee Chairman - 3rd April 2007