Car parking at a popular Exeter beauty spot is to be drastically reduced after it became a ‘hotspot’ for anti-social behavior and fly-tipping. Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT), which manages valley parks across the city on behalf of Exeter City Council, is introducing impending changes to the car park at Dayard Valley Park.
Situated just off Pennsylvania Road, it offers a fantastic picnic site overlooking the Exe Valley. DWT recently installed signage at the site alerting visitors that parking changes are being implemented due to ongoing issues.
The trust did not confirm when the changes would be introduced or how many parking spaces would be available, but said the changes would be reviewed and it was looking for a “long-term solution”. .
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A sign in the parking lot reads, “Parking here has been reconfigured. The majority of parking here will soon be closed. A small number of parking spaces will remain available to Valley Park visitors. ” is written.
“Why is this happening? The decision to close the main car park was taken following a significant increase in anti-social behavior and disruption to local residents and tourists. It was given down.”
“Levels of littering, overnight camping and fly-tipping are impacting on visitor enjoyment of the site and wildlife. Closure of the main car park will restore the site as a peaceful place for people and nature. I hope so.”
There are six Exeter Valley Parks surrounding the city, which are now protected for people and nature by DWT after being transferred from Exeter City Council to DWT in May 2019.
A DWT spokesperson said: “Devon Wildlife Trust is steadfast in its commitment to providing safe access to nature for all members of our community. It is with this principle in mind that we are raising concerns about parking in the Park.”
“Exeter’s Valley Park is a special place that supports the health and well-being of all people by providing the daily bounty of nature. However, in recent years the car park at the Dayard picnic site has suffered multiple attacks from flies. It has become a hotspot for anti-social activity including incidents of ‘tipping, littering, overnight camping and playing loud music.
“This trend is extremely worrying, both for local residents and for genuine visitors to the park. To address this issue, Devon Wildlife Trust has Close off a portion of the parking lot that is much larger than the site requires. , Leaving the small parking lot .
“This measure aims to deter some anti-social behavior, while also ensuring that people can continue to visit nature, appreciate the scenery and have positive and enjoyable nature experiences. The closure will continue to be considered while we seek a long-term solution.”Further anti-social use is a problem, particularly at night.
“During this period, we strongly encourage everyone visiting Dayard Valley Park to travel actively and use public transport where possible. This will ensure that parking continues to be accessible to people with disabilities. , you will be able to enjoy this area.”
The parking changes have caused disappointment among some local residents and tourists visiting the site. On a local community Facebook page group, one person criticized how a “few bad people” had ruined the look and enjoyment of the area for others, adding: “Others said they too should barricade themselves. “We feel the Wildlife Trust should carry out a public consultation before building.” Will they rise up like Congress to shut out the public and prevent them from enjoying their landscapes and park spaces?
“Unless they want you to park on the country roads there. Not everyone who goes there is a fly-tripper.”