SIR – Copies of the new Dogs on Leads notice have just been posted at the entrances to Cross Farm Park, Alcombe, indicating that, as from midnight on March 31, I have become a criminal.
As someone who has been a law-abiding citizen all my life, this is somewhat disconcerting!
For the last ten years, since I moved here, I have been regularly exercising my dog or his predecessor on Cross Farm Park without a lead.
It seems that it is perfectly legal to walk him off the lead around the roads and streets adjacent to the park (as long as he is under control and not being a nuisance) but as soon as I enter the very place where anyone with any sense can see he should be allowed to run free, I am breaking the law!
For some inexplicable reason, this action now makes me an outlaw.
When I allow my dog to chase a ball across the grass or to reinforce his 'stay' and 'come' training, I now need to look over my shoulder for any signs of the council dog warden or one of our excellent local PCSOs in case I fall foul of the law and end up with a criminal record.
I shall be in good company - I notice that several of my fellow dog-owners are equally reprobate!
I also see that the notices have been torn down and dumped in the waste bins, presumably by someone who doesn't mind a further prosecution for criminal damage as well as walking a dog without a lead.
Have we as a society gone mad? Well, clearly the majority of the members of West Somerset Council must have done so to allow such an unbelievable bylaw to be passed.
I'm guessing it has something to do with the imminent development of further amenities for youngsters on the park, but of course, if dogs running free are perceived to be a hazard in this case, then the new amenities should be fenced off as the existing play areas have been.
Sorry West Somerset Council, but you've got it wrong big time this time.
Cross Farm Park (and the similarly-blighted King George's Field) is a public amenity for all residents, not just youngsters. We have co-existed happily for years and should be able to continue so, but not like this.
There are very few areas accessible on foot where our dogs can be allowed to exercise properly and safely, that is under control but free of a leash.
You must think again because I have a hunch that very few responsible dog-owners - and certainly none of the irresponsible ones - are going to take any notice of this ridiculous order.
Back to the statute drawing board, please, and as soon as possible - this is a serious error that must be rectified quickly.
Terry Chivers,
Staunton Road,
Alcombe.