A DISPUTE has broken out over the installation of a safeguarding gate in a well-loved park.

The gate in question is a safeguarding security gate installed at the entrance to the Parklands on Homberg Way in Wembdon.

The gate was installed by the Wembdon Parklands & Communities Together Trust (PACT), who have been working over the past year to develop the Parklands into an accessible attraction complete with a sensory garden and specially designed play equipment.

Lorna Edwards from the Parklands Trust said before installing the gate, the group was told it would not require planning permission and also gained a Section 171 notice from the Highways department granting permission for the work to go ahead.

However since the gates went up there have been complaints and Somerset County Council’s Rights of Way department has written to Wembdon Parish Council giving notice the gates need to be removed within the next week as they are illegally across a public right of way.

Mrs Edwards said: “The gates are hugely popular with parents so we are desperate for them to stay in place.

“We have had some parents of vulnerable children say they are a big factor in choosing to visit Wembdon parklands.

A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said: “Following a number of complaints about the new gates, it came to light that no formal authority had been sought for the gates themselves.

“The parish council has been requested to remove them and we await their response.

“Any concerns regarding safety have to be balanced with ensuring that the public rights are not unduly interfered with.”
Wembdon Parish Council issued a statement saying it was ‘disappointed’ with Somerset County Council’s decision.

The statement reads: “Wembdon Parish Council owns the Parklands, and has agreed that the PACT charity develops the land into an area that is inclusive to all.

“The project has won a ‘Pride of Sedgemoor’ award, and is a flagship urban facility which is leading the way in the inclusion of wildlife and nature to educate and enhance the well being of those less able.

“The area has disabled-friendly facilities and the paths have been upgraded to allow disabled people free access to enjoy the area.

“Therefore it has been specifically designed as a parkland for disabled people to use safely.

“To help achieve this safety, a grant was obtained from the Big Lottery fund to purchase gates to be installed to safeguard disabled people and animals from the very busy adjacent A39 Homberg Way.

“After taking professional advice, PACT thought that proper authority had been given by Somerset County Council to install the gates, but it now transpires that this is not the case and SCC has ordered that the gates must be permanently removed.

“While understanding the legal reasoning behind SCC’s decision, the parish council is very disappointed that the safety of disabled people may now be compromised.

“There has been a great deal of support for the installation of these gates from the residents of Wembdon, in particular from those who are disabled.”