After taking control of the assets, the town council have said they are looking forward to this extra responsibility.

Dartmouth Town Council is looking forward to taking over some of Dartmouth’s assets from South Hams District Council including the Royal Avenue Gardens, Coronation Park and the land out at Castle Estate.

The council have said they are delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Harkness who has been employed by the council as the Town Groundsman. He will be looking after the town’s assets, maintaining and improving them for everyone to enjoy and is currently recruiting a team to assist him.

Previously Rob had been working with SHDC and Dartmouth Green Partnerships to ensure a smooth handover. He has always worked in the gardening industry and is looking forward to getting to work with the public areas in Dartmouth.

Dartmouth is blessed with some beautiful public areas which are home to some unique plants and host many special events and festivals including Dart Music Festival, the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, Shakespeare week and the Dartmouth Food Festival.

The council have said they are committed to ensuring these areas are maintained to a high standard and available to all to use throughout the year.

Unfortunately, there has been a delay in the final handover but the council have said the team of solicitors are hoping to wrap everything up as soon as possible.

If you want to know a bit more about the town’s new Towns Groundsmen, the council have asked him a few questions.

What is your favourite plant?

Magnolia, it’s only in bloom for a short time, but what a display!

What do you like best about Dartmouth?

The backdrop of the River Dart is spectacular and every day that I drive to work, I never fail to be impressed by the magnificent views. I also love a formal garden and am really looking forward to working on the various sites around Dartmouth.

Have you got any interesting hobbies?

Archery, scuba diving and bee keeping are three of my greatest loves, along with gardening of course!

The team at the council have said they are looking forward to working with Rob and seeing his hard work come to fruition soon to ensure the gardens and green spaces in the town are a highlight for visitors and residents alike.