Noise complaint from single resident sees council ordered to remove much-loved fun children’s area

A games area in a Cardiff park has been ordered to be removed following a noise complaint from a sole nearby resident. The noise complaint has seen Cardiff Council order to remove the football goals in Hailey Park in Llandaff leaving no free activities available for children in the area.

Parents, locals, and councillors alike are worried this will lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour and put a further strain on grassroots sports clubs which are already struggling. The park is a vital part of the community and serves the people of Llandaff North as well as many people from Gabalfa. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter.

The multi-use games area (MUGA) is a crucial part of the park because unlike lots of the other areas it doesn’t get muddy or flooded because of its tarmac base. This latest decision, following a complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, comes after a series of others in the park which have left residents feeling frustrated.

One end of the games area in Hailey Park
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Since Cardiff Council conducted a renovation of all the tennis courts in Cardiff and another noise complaint led to the removal of basketball hoops in the MUGA the only free activity left for children was the football court. Cardiff Council is appealing the decision and trying to find suitable alternatives.

Other areas of the park face extreme waterlogging issues in the winter and this makes it hard for children to use them in the winter, especially those with accessibility problems.

Pam French is part of YGC Rebel Mams in Llandaff North and is a mum of two boys. She said waterlogging problems meant she couldn’t see the MUGA facilities being moved elsewhere.

These problems also consistently hit grassroots sports club in the area who have to constantly call off matches due to the state of pitches. This was already something which caused a lot of frustration amongst parents and those involved in the clubs but this latest move leaves residents wondering where it will end.

A noticeboard in Hailey Park
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

One woman who’s recently moved into her home opposite the park called the decision “shocking”, saying she hoped everything would stay as she’s never had any issues with it. “At the end of the day we are living opposite a park – what do people expect?” she said.

Another resident who lives opposite the area said: “I would be really disappointed if that happened because it’s important for kids to have places to play. There is some noise but it doesn’t bother us at all.”

Another resident said: “We have never heard any noise. Me and my husband are both shift workers so sleep during the day and it never wakes us up. I think its really nice to walk past and see kids being kids.”

She said the only noise she hears isn’t from the MUGA but from children blasting music from their speakers on Friday and Saturday nights in the park. Residents are worried the closure of the MUGA will lead to more of this behaviour.

Council cabinet member for culture, sport, and parks Jennifer Burke said: “I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by the ombudsman’s decision. I believe it does not adequately consider the needs of the wider community, ensuring local children and young people have access to safe, free spaces to play.”

Councillor Burke said she has instructed officers to start the appeal process and look at alternatives. “My priority is finding a solution that balances the needs of all residents and I will continue to strongly advocate for the rights of children and young people. Facilities like the MUGA are essential for children and young people to play, socialise, and stay active – especially in a time when we should be encouraging healthy lifestyles and outdoor play.”

A spokesman for Cardiff Council said: “Cardiff Council has received notification from the ombudsman that a complaint relating to the multi-use games area (MUGA) in Hailey Park has been upheld. The council strongly disagrees with this decision and is investigating options to appeal. In addition to this the council is looking at options to mitigate the potential loss of the MUGA at Hailey Park, should the appeals process be unsuccessful.”

A spokesman for the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales said they received a complaint about Cardiff Council’s response to Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) finding that the MUGA was causing a statutory noise nuisance and the noise caused was having a substantial effect on the complainant’s life. The ombudsman said the council had not responded appropriately to SRS’ conclusions or taken appropriate action and this caused frustration and inconvenience to the complainant. The ombudsman decided to settle the complaint by asking the council to take action to ensure that the statutory nuisance is abated.

Llandaff North Labour has launched a petition calling for the preservation of the MUGA and Llandaff North Residents’ Association and Friends of Hailey Park will be holding a public meeting to talk about the issue and hear from their local councillors. A date is yet to be confirmed but will be posted on their social media.

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/noise-complaint-single-resident-sees-30808168

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