Another overgrown footpath in Teignmouth has been cleared thanks to the efforts of a group of guerilla gardeners who are now planning to look at funding to turn the area into a ‘pocket park’ for local residents.

The team of volunteers spent the weekend clearing an overgrown footpath and play park between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue in Teignmouth. The footpath was thick with stinging nettles and thorns meaning that children and families were unable to access the play park at Third and Fourth Avenue. 

Volunteers work to make the Fourth Avenue play area in Teignmouth more accessible for children and families
Volunteers work to make the Fourth Avenue play area in Teignmouth more accessible for children and families (Photo: David Caunter) (David Caunter)

‘We managed to cut back nettles and thorns a metre at either side of the pathways, this provides a safe passage for children to use the play park,’ said Teignmouth Town Councillor Dan Comer.

Joe Cox, a professional tree surgeon, worked for free with the team and helped, by providing equipment and professorial advice.

‘With some enhancements, such as wild flowers, this could be an oasis of nature just a few steps away from busy streets,’ added Teignmouth Town Councillor Penny Lloyd who is spearheading the efforts to find funding to bring the project to fruition.

L-R Councillors Penny Lloyd and David Cox hope to turn the overgrown area between Teignmouth's Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue into a pocket park
L-R Councillors Penny Lloyd and David Cox hope to turn the overgrown area between Teignmouth's Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue into a pocket park (Photo: David Caunter) (David Caunter)

‘I am very grateful to the volunteers who cleared the paths and play park,’ said Councillor David Cox. ‘Local people commented that what pleased them the most was seeing a group of Teignmouth people working together to make a visible difference in supporting out town. It means a lot to people and it’s nice to see what the team has achieved.’