Bute Park gates policy changed after death

The incident happened in Bute Park, near Cardiff Castle

Emergency services are to be given around the clock access to a Cardiff city centre park, following the death of a 25-year-old man.

Noel Acreman collapsed in Bute Park in February, and died from cardiac arrest.

An inquest heard that paramedics were delayed for 20 minutes as they tried to reach him, because gates to the park were locked.

Cardiff council said it was making 999 teams key holders, and putting a secure key access box on site.

"The council is committed to taking all practicable measures to ensure emergency vehicular access to the park once it has been locked," said a council official.

A coroner asked the council to review access to the park, following the death of Mr Acreman, from Tonyrefail in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Mr Acreman had been crossing the park at about 15:50 when witnesses saw him collapse.

An ambulance was called, but paramedics could not reach Mr Acreman due to the gates.

Eventually, an off-duty firefighter called colleagues at Cardiff Central fire station to cut the locks.

The inquest in August heard that paramedics and a doctor arrived 20 minutes after the 999 call was made.

Despite trying for another 30 minutes to resuscitate Mr Acreman, he was pronounced dead.

A conclusion of natural causes was recorded by the coroner after the hearing was told that Mr Acreman had suffered a sudden arrhythmic death.

A council spokesman said it had written to the coroner to inform him of the new procedures for accessing the park.

"Once again, the council would like to express utmost sympathy to Mr Acreman's family for their loss," he added.