And there’s a chance that a new and improved play area could be built, a packed public meeting was told
FRUSTRATED Llandaff North residents have been assured that they “will not lose” a much-loved play area and that improved facilities may be built in the future, according to a manager from Cardiff Council.
Speaking at a public meeting, Steve Morris, operational manager for sports, leisure and development at Cardiff Council told concerned residents that the council is considering the feasibility of building a new and improved games facility for Hailey Park.
However, meeting attendees raised their concerns over these plans, questioning the financial viability of a new games facility and where it would be placed in the park.
This reassurance comes after a backlash to suggestions that the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Hailey Park could be removed following a noise complaint from one resident.
The MUGA provides children with a much-needed play area. It features a concrete base and goalposts, which allows for games to be played and is well-used by many in Llandaff North.
Earlier this month the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) upheld a complaint relating to a statutory noise nuisance associated with the MUGA that was, it was stated, having a substantial effect on the complainant’s life. It has now asked the council to take action to ensure that the statutory noise nuisance is reduced.
The PSOW investigates complaints about public service providers and can make recommendations to ensure they are resolved.
People living in the area have sounded fears over whether this could lead to the removal of the MUGA, which previously had basketball hoops removed following another noise complaint.
This is part of a wider issue the park has faced in recent years, with its facilities dwindling. Speaking at a public meeting at Llandaff North Community Centre on Sunday, January 26, Paul Rock, treasurer of Friends of Hailey Park, said: “The ability for children to play has been reducing and reducing.” He noted the privatisation of the tennis courts and removal of the bowling green as an example of this.
The meeting, organised by Friends of Hailey Park and Llandaff North Residents’ Association, saw tensions run high as more than 50 people discussed the future of Hailey Park. Worries were expressed over losing a vital area of a park that residents have loved, cared for and known their entire lives.
Answering questions, Mr Morris assured the community that they “will not lose this MUGA”. He told the meeting that the council have refuted the Ombudsman’s complaint and are “still looking at mitigating solutions” but they are “moving at pace” to resolve the problem.
He suggested that the council is looking into possible adjustments that could be made to the MUGA to help reduce noise, such as adding items to the backboards of the goalposts or building a wall.
In response to doubts raised about a potential new play facility and its impact on the park, Mr Morris said that, if a new play area were to be built, the current MUGA would be returned to a green space. He clarified that a budget has not been set for any potential developments.
Mr Morris confirmed that a public consultation will be held before any changes are made.
Councillor for Llandaff North, Dilwar Ali, was also in attendance.
He informed residents that he is “committed to taking a proactive approach” to resolve the matter and has arranged meetings with council officers and asked at the potential of appeal.
He confirmed that council officers have met with the Ombudsman and are working on a “suitable mitigation plan”.
Coun Ali said: “Officers are currently reviewing a range of options to deliver an improved facility that does not result in a net loss of provision for the community.”
He also stressed that there will be local community engagement to allow people to have their say on the future of the MUGA and that proposals will be brought forward in the coming weeks.
Coun Ali will also be sending a petition, calling for the preservation of the MUGA and now has more than 1,300 signatures, to the relevant council department.
Speaking after the meeting, chair of Llandaff North Residents’ Association, Stephanie Wilkins, said: “It was well attended, so shows its importance to the public and to have their voices heard.
“We will go away and work on the aspects we have discussed.”
She said that the association’s key priorities are now transparency and consultation with the council to ensure that this issue is resolved.
A spokesman for Cardiff Council said: “A range of potential options to address local concerns and ensure that play and sport amenities remain available in the park are being looked at.
“The Council remains committed to achieving an early resolution of the complaint recently upheld by the Ombudsman. The existing facilities will remain in place while work continues on a suitable mitigation plan.
“There will be local community engagement to ensure that residents have their say on the future of the MUGA. We will be bringing forward proposals in coming weeks.”
