Users of the town’s park have raised concerns that some dog owners are ignoring council rules requiring dogs to be kept on leads at all times.
Signs have recently been installed in King George V Playing Fields to inform owners of the rules, which do not apply to the designated ‘Dog Bark’ area. However, residents say some owners are disregarding them and allowing their dogs to run loose across the park.
One resident shared their experience, explaining that they had approached a dog owner whose pet was running nearby to inform him that dogs were supposed to be kept on leads, as stated on the signs in the park. However, the man responded aggressively, saying that if they wanted to give him a mouthful, he would do the same. He insisted that his dog was harmless and would not hurt anyone. When the resident reiterated the rules, the man dismissed them, saying they could “stick the law.” The resident added that some dog owners react abusively when confronted about the isSu.
“We go to the park every day,” the resident said. “Some owners use the Dog Park, but most just let their dogs run free.”
The resident also criticised the recently installed signs, calling them ‘not clear.’
Another local resident, Su Mortimer, said that while many owners follow the rules, others do not, leading to an increase in dog fouling despite signs reminding owners to bring their own poo bags.
“Only this week I picked up dog poo from the grassy bank at the edge of the slide,” said Su, a former Melksham Town Councillor who voted in favour of the Dog Bark.
She added, “It was not something I personally would have voted for, but when I was a child, my older sibling Jeffery was badly attacked by a dog, and these things stay with you.
“I admit I’m still nervous around dogs I don’t know. When I voted, I was representing the people of Melksham/Forest Ward, and the majority told me they wanted this rather than a nature area. I was assured by my fellow councillors that the Dog Bark would help prevent dogs from being loose in the playing fields.”
Melksham News contacted Melksham Town Council for a statement regarding residents’ concerns that people are not adhering to the signs and asked what measures the council plans to take to encourage dog owners to keep their pets on leads. However, the council has not responded.
