Dogs add bite to their park

Dogs are chomping their way through play equipment at Lees Brook Park.

Council bosses have asked owners to take more responsibility over what their pets get up to when walking in the park.

The adventure play apparatus has been damaged repeatedly since it was installed in March 2011, and three times in the last month. A zip-wire slide has had its seat torn to shreds.

Every time this happens it costs the council at least £85 plus labour costs.

Officers are now thinking about removing the equipment permanently — unless dogs are better controlled.

Councillor Jean Stretton said: “Most dog owners are responsible and considerate. They understand there are plenty of places to exercise their pets without spoiling things for other park users.”

As well as the canine chaos, vandals have damaged bins, benches and play ropes.

More expensive features have also been ruined — including two basket swings worth £600 each.


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