Flooding damage felt in Bovey Tracey as town council issues safety warnings for local park

Parts of Mill Marsh Park in Bovey Tracey have been closed following flooding that has damaged fencing and play equipment.

Bovey Tracey Town Council confirmed that the play area at the park is currently closed due to flood damage, with safety inspections due to take place next week.

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In a series of updates posted on social media, the council warned residents not to enter the affected areas and said damage remains even as floodwater begins to subside.

“Sadly the Mill Marsh Park play area is closed owing to flood damage,” the council said. 

“Contractors will conduct a safety inspection next week and advise on necessary repairs. Please DO NOT use any of the equipment as its safety CANNOT be guaranteed.”

The council added that the rubberised flooring in the play park has been damaged and fencing broken.

“Please be aware that even when the flood subsides, the rubberised flooring in the playpark has been damaged and the fencing broken. Avoid until further notice,” the post said.

Concerns have also been raised about people entering closed sections of the park. The council said security tape had been removed and that people were accessing the area despite warnings.

“The security tape has now been ripped down and people are entering the park via this entrance,” the council said.

“We can only advise you, please stop walking on the spring bulbs that are now coming up.”

ABOVE: Damaged fencing and rubber flooring make Mill Marsh Park unsafe, the council warned (Image: Bovey Tracey Town Council)

The road past the Co-op is now accessible with care, but the council warned residents not to use this route to enter Mill Marsh Park.

“Do not use this entrance to Mill Marsh Park where flooding has damaged fences around the play park,” the council said. “Unattended children [have been] seen playing in the water.”

Local residents have also shared concerns about repeated flood damage at the site.

One local said: “Back in the day it didn’t get damaged because there was no equipment in there that water could harm, but these days mats and other equipment are getting ripped apart.”

Residents also questioned whether changes to fencing may have worsened the impact of flooding.

“The fence that went up recently will not let the water through like the old wooden fence did,” they said. “That’s why debris gathered and ripped the fence down.”

There were also suggestions of relocating or redesigning the play area.

“I wonder if anyone is going to suggest moving it to the other end of the park or making it much higher.

“In the long run a new park at the other end would work out cheaper than repairing it most years.”

The town council has asked residents to respect closures while inspections are carried out and said it will update the public once repair plans are confirmed.