Tiverton's park shelter to be liberated

It's been behind metal for 18 months

After more than 18 months, metal hoarding is being removed from the People’s Park pavilion in Tiverton.

Corrugated iron panels were placed on the shelter in December 2020 by Mid Devon District Council, following concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area.

Residents were asked earlier in the year about what to do with the structure, with suggestions including turning it into a café, a modern toilet block and an outdoor stage.

A council spokesperson confirmed the hoarding is “intended to come down” this week [beginning 11 July].

It comes after a notice recently appeared on the pavilion from a council officer explaining the move, saying: “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.

“You will likely be aware opportunities are being explored for alternative uses for the shelter commercial/community opportunities could include a café for instance. Other options being considered is potential for gates or shutters so the shelter can be closed off overnight.”

“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 continuing to board up the structure was not a long-term option, nor was the removal of the shelter, “so we have to work to find solutions to the anti-social behaviour that it has attracted previously if that recurs.”

The spokesperson added the council will “consider and assess the interests received for the alternative use of the shelter in due course” and in the meantime any anti-social behaviour will “continue to be monitored.”