Bovey Tracey play area to undergo "resilience" upgrade following flood damage surprise

Bovey Tracey Town Council has issued an urgent warning to residents to stay away from the Mill Marsh Park play area after recent adverse weather left the site's future in the balance.

The facility, situated in the heart of the town, remains cordoned off after an inspection revealed that the site’s original construction was fundamentally unable to withstand the severity of the recent flooding.

The closure has come as a blow to local families, but town officials have revealed that the damage to the park's infrastructure was more significant than first anticipated. 

In an assessment of the situation, a spokesperson for the town council admitted that the failure of the site's previous defenses was unexpected.

"It came as a great surprise to learn that the original specifications were unable to cope with the flood," the council stated.

Plans are now being drawn up to ensure the park is not only repaired but made more resilient to the changing climate. 

“We wish to reutilise as much as possible of the existing fence, however the foundations will require enhancing or an alternative approach to mitigate future issues,” the council added.

While residents are eager to see the gates reopened, the council has warned that the path to restoration is complex. 

Discussions are currently taking place with both the original installers and new specialists to find a permanent solution.

However, officials have been quick to manage expectations regarding a reopening date.

"We are discussing enhancements with the original installer and prospective experienced contractors," the council confirmed. 

"The timeline will unfortunately be dictated by the insurers, if we proceed down this route, and contractor availability to undertake the work."

On their Facebook page, the local authority stressed that while a solution might seem to be taking a long time, it is "vital that the correct way forward is chosen, not the quickest."

The most pressing concern for the council remains public safety. Beyond the visible debris, experts are worried about what lies beneath the surface of the play area.

A spokesperson explained: "The play area equipment requires regular inspections to ensure there are no operational defects in accordance with national standards, however these inspections have temporarily ceased whilst the site remains closed."

There are also fears regarding the integrity of the ground itself. 

"Furthermore, the ground is still saturated and we are unsure what impact this has had underneath the safety surfacing."

Despite the ‘closed’ notices, there have been concerns regarding unauthorised entry. The Council noted that while the site is visited regularly to check fencing is secure, they "cannot mitigate for anyone who chooses to enter the site by climbing over or removing fence panels or gates."

The council acknowledged that the loss of the park, even temporarily, is a significant blow to the town's social fabric.

"The Council is very aware how frustrating it is for families to be denied use of the play area and we are working to have it re-opened as quickly as possible," a statement read. 

"Safety must always remain the top priority however, so no corners will be cut."

The council issued a final reminder that the site is currently an unmonitored risk: "Anyone who chooses to access the site while it is closed does so entirely at their own risk and without the council’s permission. Our insurance may not cover you for any injury or loss resulting from entering the closed facility."

Despite the challenges, the local authority praised the "vast majority" of residents for their patience. 

"We thank the vast majority of people who are observing the ‘closed’ notices and are grateful for the many supportive comments that have come our way as we strive to reinstate this fantastic community asset."