Tributes paid after death of Ken Foster

Plymouth City Council staff and councillors have been saddened to learn of the passing of Alderman and former Councillor Ken Foster at the age of 92.

Alderman Foster was a much-respected councillor who served Plymstock Radford for 22 years before his retirement in 2019.

He had the honour as serving as Deputy Lord Mayor in 2007-2008 and Lord Mayor in 2009-2010, in addition to supporting his wife, Alderman Wendy Foster, as Consort during her term as Lord Mayor in 2017/2018.

Alderman Foster was first elected to the then Devon County Council ward of Plymstock Radford in 1997, the year before Plymouth became unitary in 1998.

Throughout his political career, he served on many committees, including as Chair of Housing, Finance and Performance and Taxi Licensing, and as Vice Chair of Licensing.

In recognition of his years of service, Ken was appointed as an Alderman in 2021.

In his professional life, Alderman Foster worked as a professional technical officer at the Dockyard for 40 years was chairman of the Institute of Professional Civil Servants.

In his spare time, he supported local schools as a governor of Plymstock Comprehensive, Pomphlett Primary and Downham Schools.

A keen musician, he was the bandleader and trumpet player of the Ken Foster Orchestra between 1948 and 1965.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Sue Dann, said: “Ken Foster was a committed and hardworking councillor. He always spoke up for his residents in Radford and was an active member in the community.

“In the council chamber, I know that you could always rely on Ken to contribute to debates, adding his personal touch of passion and humour.”

The funeral of Alderman Foster will take place at Efford Crematorium on February 17 at 2pm.

Councillor Richard Bingley, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Having the ability to park for free for a short period of time is a vital to keep our district shopping centres alive.

“But we do need to ensure that people do not abuse this benefit and overstay their allotted time. It isn’t fair on other local shoppers and it isn’t fair on our local businesses.

“The new terminals will simply be a way for drivers to check in. We have had similar arrangements in place at the Crownhill car park for over 10 years and it works really well.

“I know that there has been some confusion and a lot of unhelpful misinformation online. So I will be clear – the free parking that is currently available in district car parks is not being reduced or removed. It is being protected.”

The new terminals are being installed at: Alexandra Road, Plymstock Broadway, Church Street, Deans Cross, Haye Road South, Marlborough Street, Morice Street, Mudge Way North, Plympton Ridgeway and West Park car parks. They will be live by April 2023.

Signs will be placed in each car park to let drivers know when the terminals are due be activated and we will be writing to nearby businesses to let them know what is happening and when.

Parking officers will also be on hand when the system goes live in each car park to help explain the new arrangements.