Singleton: Muddy Mayhem
It has been a mere ten months since our initial expression of disappointment and frustration regarding the recurring and preventable turmoil inflicted upon the grounds of Singleton Park. Regrettably, for the third consecutive year, history has repeated itself, compelling us to once again raise our voices in protest.
The arrival of cumbersome touring machinery leaves in its wake a trail of muddied and torn-up earth, a stark contrast to the vibrant tapestry of greenery that Singleton Park has long been celebrated for. The predictable nature of this recurring outcome only serves to magnify our frustration, leaving us disheartened by the apparent lack of progress.
In December of last year, the Friends of Singleton Park, along with Sketty Councillors Mike Day, James McGettrick, Cheryl Philpott, and Killay Councillor Jeff Jones, posed pressing questions to the Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration & Tourism, Robert Francis-Davies regarding this matter. The questions and their response can be found below.
In response to Swansea Council’s acknowledgement of the damage sustained after the events of 2021 and 2022, we held hope that the message advocating for responsibility and care during the setup and dismantling of large-scale equipment had been internalised. Alas, it seems that year after year, similar damages are inflicted due to the neglect of using protective matting and supervision for the movement of heavy vehicles.
While previous years saw excuses tethered to adverse weather conditions and contractor-related issues, it is crucial to recognise that unpredictability in weather patterns should be factored into any event planning, and adequate supervision of contractors must be ensured. The lingering question persists: were the contractors' contractual obligations adhered to? The unfortunate outcomes suggest otherwise. It is not enough to simply say that Swansea Council will not work with them again in the future.
The historical significance of this estate, dating back to the mid-19th century, cannot be overstated. The pathways within are not intended for the traversal of heavy machinery. The repetition of this damage cycle, despite assurances of improvement, speaks volumes. Moreover, the absence of reinvestment in restoring the park's verdant beauty is glaring. We must emphasise that Singleton Park is not a mere revenue source; it is, in fact, a Grade 1 listed parkland of immense cultural and ecological value.
We acknowledge the accomplishment of hosting world-renowned performers within the park's bounds during the summer months. However, this laudable achievement should never come at the expense of the park's intrinsic essence. The transformation of our cherished park into a construction site, trampled and marred, betrays what makes it invaluable.
Singleton Park is more than an economic asset; it is an irreplaceable haven. We implore those entrusted with its stewardship to reimagine their approach to safeguarding its grounds and to implement measures that honour the park's sanctity, stopping its annual descent into a muddied abyss.
In light of these concerns, we strongly urge Swansea Council to commit to significant infrastructure improvements if large-scale events are to continue taking place within the park. The current cycle of annual damage and repair that takes many months is not a sustainable solution. The park's potential for hosting events can indeed coexist with responsible stewardship; we implore the council to make this a reality.
