Overlooked corner of Devon has come on in leaps and bounds

It's a 'proper local' area that tourists don't tend to visit

A proper local area of Devon that's off the usual tourist trail has blossomed into a "really friendly" community. Plymouth's Whitleigh neighbourhood, which has faced its share of anti-social behaviour in the past, is now seen in a positive light by locals who say, "there's good and bad everywhere".

With around 7,000 residents, Whitleigh has transformed significantly from the days when it was sparsely populated with just a few houses and farms, as remembered by some of the older generation. Today, it boasts a little green space where residents congregate, complete with the bonus of free parking.

Encircled by woods, Whitleigh is home to The Albemarle pub and a variety of shops, including one that recently introduced a Mr Whippy service window. The locals describe their area as "friendly, calm and fantastic".

Andy Middleton, a true Whitleigh lad, fondly recalls his upbringing in this part of Plymouth, praising it as a wonderful place to grow up. A few years back, he established his tattoo shop, Precision Ink Plymouth Ltd, on Whitleigh Green.

Although he now resides elsewhere in the city, Andy says working in Whitleigh feels "like coming home", reports Plymouth Live.

The 53-year-old entrepreneur and DJ converted what used to be a charity shop into his tattoo business over three years ago. He's passionate about "giving back" to the community and "boosting the immediate economy", so he organises regular events for the people of Whitleigh.

He said: "It's a nice area. I grew up here and I've nothing but good things to say about Whitleigh. Growing up here was great and the community on the green is fantastic."

"I still keep in touch with other Whitleigh boys that I grew up with, we had nothing when we were kids, now I like to give a little bit back. I set up Precision Ink Plymouth here and when I get to work everyday, it's like coming home, it's like I never left."

"I love the art of tattooing and the people you meet. Whitleigh Green has a lot of amenities, there's also a huge playing field and lots of green space. The area is surrounded by woodlands and we try to keep it all looking nice."

On a sunny autumn day, the area was bustling with people of all ages socialising over a cup of tea at the nearby Porkies Cafe, a popular local spot that has been a staple in the community for years. The cafe team, led by manager Sharon Cross, do more than just serve food and drink - they also organise fun days out for locals to beaches and attractions like Longleat and Legoland, with the help of MPs, councillors, and the Four Greens Community Trust.

Sharon said: "The area is a lot better than when we first came here, it's improved a lot over the years. People liaise with police and the council about anti social issues. I feel safe here and on the green it's a nice atmosphere."

A 62-year-old local has pinpointed an "ongoing housing issue" in the area, emphasising the need for "more affordable housing for locals needed". Echoing this sentiment, a young mum who commutes from Mutley every day to bring her children to school in Whitleigh concurred.

She revealed shes been "looking for a suitable home to rent" in Whitleigh for several months.

In the vicinity of Porkies cafe, an outdoor seating area becomes the hub for a cross-generational group of residents, ranging from 36 to 70 years old, as they enjoy tea and engage in conversation.

Their topic of discussion was the nearby "dangerous" unfinished housing development known as Whitleigh Gardens. The construction there halted abruptly when the company behind it went bust.

Tom Buckley, a 36-year-old who has called Whitleigh home for 16 years, believes the neighbourhood "changed for the better". Highlighting the communal allotments and the woodland surroundings that lend an "open" feel to the area, Tom also mentioned his role in fostering community spirit through food by creating the Facebook page Edible Whitleigh.

He shared: "There was nothing for the community so we started up activities and meet ups, it's the community that has changed the neighbourhood for the better. Local's carry people's bags of shopping for them if they're in need."

With 44 years of residence in Whitleigh, Tina Adams, aged 64, reflected on the area's mood: "It's calm and pleasant, there's good and bad everywhere but more good than bad here."

Pearce's Snacks, a beloved local shop located on Whitleigh Green for the last 17 years and boasting another establishment in Honicknowle, is a true family affair run by husband-and-wife duo Lisa Pearce and Steve Pearce, a proud "born and bred" local. Together with a dedicated team of 13 employees, they have been serving up delicious snacks to the community.

Lisa, who is 55, reminisces about when she met her husband Steve, now 60, as he visited the food shop as a customer 15 years ago, marking the beginning of their "love at first sight" romance. Before becoming the owner, Lisa had worked at Pearce's Snacks under its previous management and has since seen the shop grow busier over time.

Lisa said: "We've kept really busy, I think the free parking on the green really helps - that's a massive thing. I've never had any trouble here. Everyone knows each other either from working or walking in the dog field.

"You can walk through the woods into Southway. I spoke to an old man recently who remembers when Whitleigh was just a few houses and farms dotted around."

"As well as the shop - and we make a lot from scratch - we supply buffets which are popular with all the social clubs around Plymouth for parties or wakes. We've also recently put in a Mr Whippy window which the kids love for after school."