Dog ban at kids playground

By mcollison matt collison matthew.collison@essnmedia.co.uk

Dogs have been banned from a popular children's playground in Leigh after pet owners failed to clear up their mess.

Leigh Parish Council took the decision after a visit by a Mole Valley District Council inspector to the Bunce Common Road site in July.

Excrement left by the four-legged friends had sparked health concerns among Playground for Leigh's Active Youth and Leigh Parish Council.

Parish councillor Harriett Hall said: "We have had a problem with people not clearing up after their dogs which, particularly on ground used by children, is a concern.

"It is accepted that dogs really are not suitable in a playground."

Mrs Hall added: "We are not doing this arbitrarily.We had the inspector round and he said that absolutely no playground should have dogs in them."

Pets are still free to roam in the nearby recreation ground, but the parish council is warning dog walkers that any waste should be removed and placed in the bin provided.

Meanwhile, parents can tie their pets to newly installed posts while they take their children to enjoy the play area.

Cathy Scott, Playground for Leigh's Active Youth committee member, said the ban had been welcomed by park users.

She said: "It was not a huge problem, but there have been one or two inconsiderate people.

"It is proving successful. We have not had any negative feedback."

The move has also been welcomed by families whose visits have steadily been increasing since the playground was revamped two years ago.

Grandmother Jackie Bowling, of Dean Oak Lane, Leigh, said: "I don't think dogs should be allowed to come here. For children to tread in that and get it in the car and in the home is not acceptable at all. It is meant for kids, not for dogs."

Mum-of-two Maggie Hughes, of Dean Oak Lane, Leigh, said: "It is a great park and there are quite a lot of activities for different age groups. It is just a shame that a few irresponsible people had to spoil it for the majority."