The claim was made after discussing a piece of amusement equipment that has been glued on

Every Saturday and Sunday morning, in our exclusive weekend newsletter, pick the most exciting stories and fascinating features of the week from your inbox

Allegedly, Cullompton Town Council “failed to fulfill its duty of care” to ensure the safety of young people when using the amusement park.

The accusation was made after discussions on an amusement device that was taped after it was deemed unsafe to use in Rivermead Park.

At the end of October, due to concerns about rust, peeling paint and rough surfaces, the rocket climbing frame in the play area was "dismantled" and tape was wrapped around it. After the town council meeting on Thursday, November 21, it was removed from the park, and councilor James Buczkowski lashed out at the council’s response.

Read more: New town confirmed in Devon County’s Thousand-Family Housing Plan

At the meeting, Deputy Secretary Maria Weston explained that the outdoor supervisor was checking the floor and replacing equipment.

"In essence, after talking to the outdoor supervisor about this, he didn't know what was under the existing cushions there," she said.

"Look at this amusement equipment. It looks incredibly rusty and the paint is peeling. In my opinion, my suggestion is to take it out.

"However, we have taken steps to properly evaluate it."

She said the team must check the depth of the legs into the ground and whether there is any concrete there.

Ms. Weston said: “A professional came out on November 16 and was scheduled to meet with our maintenance supervisor but arrived earlier than the agreed time, so they had already left before she could talk to them.

"As far as they think it is feasible to fix it or whether it needs to be rolled out, we have yet to get a response.

"We also talked to the Mid Devon District Council, and their opinion was to send qualified amusement area inspectors out.

"The easiest thing is to take it out, but next we need to know how many holes need to be repaired to get rid of the safe surface, or do you want us to see another game? Equipment."

However, Cllr Buczkowski said he was "shocked" and "disappointed."

"This once again proves the inconsistency between health and safety, and worse, incompetence," he said.

"If we look at other amusement parks, we have Tufty Park with tractors. The health and safety risks are questionable. There are large fences around us. In my opinion, this is a risk in itself.

"Now we have this dangerous rock climbing equipment. There is a little tape around it and it is rusting. This is nonsense. It either needs to be fenced and some people can't climb it or remove it.

"I disagree that our employees cannot remove it; I think it should be removed immediately, and any holes in the ground can be restored or tapered.

"In my opinion, a small hole in the ground is much more dangerous than rusty rock climbing equipment.

"This is a major and existing risk. I am shocked. The best thing the city council can do is to put a little plastic barrier tape around it.

"We have not fulfilled our duty of care. It has been wandering around and has not been dealt with. This is unacceptable.

"The tape will not prevent young people from climbing. If it does, it will emphasize that it is a greater challenge.

"Remove the equipment; then they can assess the ground, backfill it and make it safe. If not, they need to close that area of ​​the amusement park, enclose it, or indeed close the amusement park."

Assemblyman Gordon Geist added: "You will know that many years ago, the town council formed a working group and wrote a very detailed report on their needs for the Cullumpton Amusement Park.

"That was a few years ago, time has passed, and the town council is now in charge of five amusement parks.

"I want to know if we need to review the report in 2022, and maybe update and modify it according to the town council's future ambitions."