To receive questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters which are about something the council is responsible for or something that directly affects people in the city, in accordance with Part B, paragraph 11 of the Constitution.

Questions, of no longer than 50 words, can be submitted to the Democratic Support Unit, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ, or email to democraticsupport@plymouth.gov.uk. Any questions must be received at least five complete working days before the meeting.

There was one question from the public.

Mr Stuart Lloyd Dolton asked the following question:

“As a proud Plymouthian, I am bewildered that Leader of the Council has made a decision to change a street name, based on a small minority. It’s offensive the majority of our city has been insulted in such a derogatory manner. Can Councillor Evans ensure the proper consultation will ensue?”

The Leader, Councillor Evans OBE, gave the following response:

I made it very clear in my statement on 9 June which was published on the Council’s website that the Council is starting the renaming process for Sir John Hawkins Square, and that this will involve an opportunity for people to give their views.  The reason I said this is that the Council has published guidelines and a procedure for renaming streets, and we are following them.  Our guidelines follow Section 18 of the Public Health Act 1925, which specifically refers to altering the name of a street, and are the same as any other council’s, because that is the law.

As I said in my statement, we listened to those who found the relatively recent naming of the square after Hawkins offensive because of his close associations with the slave trade, and that’s why we’re changing it. We are not seeking to rewrite history and we are not saying that we should forget Hawkins.  He was an important figure in our national history, and we can remember this in a way that tells a fuller story about his life and which doesn’t commemorate him in a way that gives offence.  When it opens, the Box will tell a much more rounded story about Hawkins and some of the city’s other famous historical figures.

As Councillor Penberthy, whose Ward contains the square has said, naming the square after Jack Leslie would be a wonderful way of recognising the big role he has not only in Plymouth Argyle’s heritage, but also in national football.  As the only black professional player at the time, he was a pioneer.  Unfortunately he also had to deal with discrimination which meant he was denied the opportunity to represent his country.  As a city we want to remember him and are very pleased that his family has agreed for the square to be named Jack Leslie Square.

The Council’s agreed process for naming the square has started.  A Public Health Act Street Renaming Notice will be displayed for a month.  If Mr Dolton or anyone else is aggrieved by the proposed Renaming Order he has the opportunity to lodge an appeal with the local Magistrates Court within 21 days of the posting of the notice.  If any appeals are lodged, the matter will be decided by the Magistrates. 

I hope that Mr Dolton is now less bewildered, particularly as the decision on this matter is actually for Councillor Lowry who is the relevant Cabinet Member in the Council’s procedure. I can confirm though that he has the support of the whole Cabinet and the Ward Members in honouring Jack Leslie in the city that he represented for most of his professional career.