BERE FERRERS Parish Council is considering banning dogs from two recreational areas because dog fouling levels have become ‘quite unacceptable’

Bere Ferrers Parish Council has launched a consultation regarding dog control at Bere Alston for the Down recreational field and the recreation field at Bere Ferrers, due to years of dog fouling on the public grounds.

Brian Lamb, chairman of the parish council, said: ‘For many years residents have suffered from the problems of dog fouling in our villages and in particular on public amenity land owned by the parish council. In the past year this has become quite unacceptable.’

The council formed a group to investigate what measures could be taken to mitigate the situation.

Mr Lamb continued: ‘We have carried out a census of dogs using the Down and spoken to many owners in an attempt to obtain a balanced view.

‘It is quite obvious that the vast majority of dog owners act responsibly and we were pleasantly surprised at the number of people who even picked up faeces deposited by other people’s animals.

‘We now wish to seek the views of our parishioners on what further steps should be taken to alleviate this dangerous situation.’

A consultation document has been issued which asks residents nine questions. These include whether dogs should be excluded from the Down recreation field at Bere Alston and from the recreation field at Bere Ferrers; if dogs should be kept on lead at all times at both locations; and what they think is the maximum number of dogs to be controlled by one person.

Copies of the consultation can be obtained from Bere Alston Post Office, Bere Alston Fish and Chip Shop and from Margaret’s Hairdressers in Bere Ferrers.

Mr Lamb added: ‘The views of the residents are very important and we ask that completed questionnaires be placed in a sealed box at Bere Alston Post Office or at Margaret’s Hairdressers or by posting to Parish Hall Mail Box, Station Road, Bere Alston PL20 7EJ, or emailed to [email protected]’

Further details can be seen on the parish council’s website www.bereferrersparishcouncil.org.uk

The consultation closes on Friday, July 10.