DOG WALKERS have spoken up about new and controversial rules introduced to a park in Dorset.

Around 25 residents attended a council meeting last month to discuss plans for Braeside Road recreation ground.

The park had come under the spotlight after a decision was made by St Ives and St Leonards and St Ives Parish Council to ban visiting dogs from being off the lead.

Whilst authorities explained the move was to tackle dog mess and aggressive behaviour in the park, many dog walkers and residents were left frustrated.

A meeting on Thursday, September 29, gave people a chance to voice their opinions.

According to the minutes of the meeting, attending residents raised ‘several issues’ concerning the recent ruling.

Read more: Council to discuss new dog walker rules at Dorset park

It reads: “Residents felt the ruling was unfair as it penalized the vast majority of dog owners for what was perceived to be the failings of just a small minority of dog owners.

Other residents felt that the Parish Council hadn’t consulted with residents or carried out an equality impact assessment before taking their decision.

Town Clerk Jonathan Ross, said: “People obviously had things to say but it was quite an amenable meeting.”

Councillors were said to have listened to the points raised by the residents and agreed that “something should be done” to allow the park to be used safely by everybody.

Discussions were then held into possible options for the park, other than a blanket ban,  which included sectioning off an area of the park for off-the-lead play or introducing a small self-policing group of dog walkers to make sure people abide by rules.

Read more: New rules for dog walkers at Dorset recreation ground

Residents were assured that the Town Clerk would approach the Urban Heath Partnership (Dogs of Dorset) for advice, to then put together a “package of options” for the park.

He is to then consult with residents on this and bring the results back to full council for further discussion.

Jonathan said: “We wanted to hear feedback.

"The parish council has listened to everything, taken it all on board, and will come up with some options."