Reopened shelter closes again

The (anti-social) people have spoken

A Mid Devon park shelter blighted by anti-social behaviour has been fenced off again because of “alcohol and drug misuse.”

Corrugated iron panels were removed from the People’s Park shelter in Tiverton just two months ago, having previously been put up by Mid Devon District in December 2020 following concerns about anti-social behaviour.

But a spokesperson says that due to “continued anti-social behaviour including alcohol and drug misuse at all hours,” the shelter has been closed off to the public again “with great regret.”

It is now surrounded by temporary fencing to prevent people from using the structure.

The spokesperson added the council will “continue to consider and assess the interests received for the alternative use of the shelter.”

Residents were asked earlier in the year about what to do with the building. Suggestions included turning it into a café, a modern toilet block or an outdoor stage.

Other options reportedly being considered are gates or shutters so the shelter can be closed off overnight.

When the corrugated iron was removed in July, a notice posted by an officer said: “I’m acutely conscious of why the hoarding was erected and keen to ensure that any return of the behaviour that prompted that is averted. The police and youth service are aware of the intention."

It continued: “I’m sure you agree that the shelter is an integral feature of the park and something that should be available for responsible users of the park to enjoy."

They said boarding up the structure is not a long-term option, nor is removing the shelter, “so we have to work to find solutions to the anti-social behaviour that it has attracted previously if that recurs.”