New rules for dog walkers at Dorset recreation ground

St Leonards and St Ives Parish Council has introduced new rules for the Braeside Road recreation ground following regular complaints made about dog walkers in the park not picking up after their pets, and even a number of instances of people being bitten.

In a statement issued last week, Town Clerk Jonathon Ross said: “We receive almost daily complaints from residents who use the park of the dog's mess that is left there. This is despite 4 waste bins situated around the park. Often it is the case of the dog being off the lead and its owner not seeing it 'do its business'.

“In addition, we receive a great many complaints of uncontrolled dogs jumping up at people and in a number of instances people being bitten. Also, of dogs bothering and attacking other dogs.

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“It should be remembered that the park is a facility to be used and enjoyed by everyone. It is a shared space where people should be able to come and relax, play sport, walk, picnic and enjoy themselves.

Braeside Road recreation ground. (Image: NQ)

“Feedback received by the Parish Counil is that many people won't use the park at all because they are concerned for their own health and safety and that of their families.

“The PC has a duty of care to every resident, and it must make sure that the park remains safe and open for everyone to enjoy and use safely.”

The announcement faced backlash from upset residents, with one even branding it as a “totally unnecessary restriction.”

St Leonards and St Ives Parish Council has said that in light of the community reponse to its decision, they will be holding further discussions.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Jonathon Ross said: “We’ve had a lot of people in support of it, but also a lot of people complaining about the decision, and I want to address that.

"We don’t want to upset people, and we’re not here to punish people, so we’re going to be discussing it again.

"I’m going to holding conversations to see what we can do to mitigate some of the complaints. There may be some actions that we can take that can please everybody."