A newly opened multi-use games area (MUGA) in Cardiff has been vandalised within weeks of its launch, leading to the removal of its seating due to safety concerns.
The facility at Llandaff North's Hailey Park, which opened at the start of September, has experienced "significant vandalism and damage" according to Cardiff Council. The damaged seating area has now been taken away because it could no longer safely operate.
New facility opened by former rugby star
The community sport and games facility was opened by former Wales rugby player Jamie Roberts at the beginning of September. It replaced the former games area, which had to be moved after a singular noise complaint from a sole local resident.
Cardiff Council was ordered to remove the MUGA immediately after the Public Services Ombudsman ruled the council had not acted appropriately in response to the noise complaint brought to them by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS).
However, after more than 1,000 residents signed a petition calling for the MUGA to stay, the council said it would no longer remove it but instead work to find a solution while engaging with local residents.
Council working on robust solution
The council subsequently decided to relocate the play area to an alternative location, creating a "modern, inclusive, and accessible facility". The new space provides room for football, rugby, hockey, cricket, basketball, volleyball, netball, and calisthenics, along with a dedicated social "catch-up" area with seating and table tennis.
Now, the highly-anticipated space has been damaged within weeks of opening. The local Llandaff North Labour group said that while the space had been "incredibly well used" since it opened, the doughnut seating needed to be temporarily removed due to vandalism.
The councillors said it was particularly frustrating to see it damaged so soon, but council officers were already working to find a more robust solution to allow young people to enjoy the space fully again.
Seating to be reinstated
On Wednesday, September 23, Llandaff North Labour wrote on Facebook: "We're really disappointed to share that the doughnut seating in the teen area of the new MUGA will need to be temporarily removed following significant vandalism and damage."
"The MUGA has been incredibly well used since it opened, and the seating was deliberately included to create a space where young people could sit, socialise, and spend time together – so it is particularly frustrating to see it damaged so soon.
"Recent inspections have found that the level of damage and stress being placed on the seating means it can't safely remain in place in its current condition.
"Importantly, the intention is not to remove it permanently. Council officers are already working with the equipment supplier to find a more robust and sustainable solution so that the seating can be reinstated as soon as possible.
"We know the overwhelming majority of young people using the MUGA are enjoying and respecting the new facilities and we don’t want the actions of a small number to detract from what has been a really positive addition to Hailey Park."
