Mid Devon District Council is inviting the community to have its say on proposed updates to the byelaws governing Peoples Park in Tiverton.

Tiverton’s much-loved park will see its rules modernised for the first time in more than 130 years.

As trustee of Peoples Park, the Council is responsible for ensuring the space remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all. The current byelaws, which set out how people are expected to behave in the park, date back to June 1890 and are based on a Victorian framework.

Recognising that these rules are now outdate, the Council is proposing a new set of byelaws to reflect how people use public green spaces today. The proposed replacements are based on guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), designed to be clearer, more relevant and easier for park users to understand.

Councillor Jane Lock, Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Property Services, said:

“Peoples Park is a cherished community asset, and it’s important the rules governing it are fit for purpose. A lot has changed since 1890, and we want to ensure our byelaws reflect modern expectations while continuing to protect the park for everyone who uses it.

We’d really encourage residents to take a few minutes to share their views – whether or not they regularly visit the park.”

The Council intends to adopt the finalised byelaws by the end of 2026, taking into account all feedback received during the consultation period.

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Have your say

Residents can take part in the consultation online – the survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.