More Dog-Free Space for Yealmpton Kids Please!

Yealmpton has a large dog population which is fantastically well-served by an abundance of woodland and open countryside where owners can exercise their pets. In contrast, the children of Yealmpton have only one small play park where they can roam freely, safe from the unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects of dog fouling. Whilst it is recognised that most dog-owners act responsibly, it is a fact that the open areas of Stray Park continue to be seriously affected by dog fouling.

This is unfortunate, as the park now provides some excellent facilities, facilities that to some extent are going unused because of parents’ concerns about the dog fouling issue. Whilst also providing excellent facilities within a safe, fenced-off area, the existing play park is small and only suitable for very young children.

The solution to this problem is to create a new fenced-off area from which dogs would be excluded. The new space should encompass the swings and other equipment currently sited in the open park areas, and should be large enough to allow ball games. The fence is key to the solution – only a physical barrier will be effective in excluding dogs and preventing dog fouling once and for all.

Fencing has proved very effective in the case of the existing play park which is rarely, if ever, affected by dog fouling. There is plenty of space in Stray Park, plenty of space for dogs and children to enjoy, but things are way out of balance at present. It is time the balance was redressed and our children’s interests given a higher priority.