Concerns raised about dog fouling during lockdown

Concern about the situation at Bryson’s Park was expressed by Coun Kevan Curry at an online meeting of Wooler Parish Council.

“I’ve had a few people complaining to me about it,” he said. “I don’t know whether we just ban people from taking their dogs in there.

“I know we are still in lockdown but there are people taking their kids through there to kick a ball around for an hour but people are leaving the dog mess on the playing field itself or putting it in bags and leaving them.

“There are responsible dog owners but those who are letting their dogs foul where the kids play is really irresponsible. It’s pure laziness.”

Parish councillors agreed to report the problem to Northumberland County Council.

The parish council has also requested an update from the county council on any plans for the former first school site.

“They need to padlock their gates because there are people walking their dogs in there,” said Coun Curry.

Meanwhile, the parish council has also called for the bottle banks to be emptied more regularly. They also want new bins which are lockable, as previously requested by police due to anti-social behaviour.

Lease documents for use of the School Farm Field site are to be sent out to the allotment association and scout groups.

Members heard the allotment association would like permission to approach Northumbrian Water about putting mains water into the site.

The parish council will grant permission on condition that it is the community site’s water point.

“Any costs incurred would have to be down to them,” said Coun Angus Murray.

The parish council also stated there would be no extension of the allotments area until its long-term success can be assessed.

Coun Angus Murray also reported that a resident had raised concerns about flower pots and a garden bench presenting a possible trip hazard on the pavement at Church Street. The matter will be passed on to the county council.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you