Town dog park will not re-open until equipment is checked for safety

FOLLOWING the closure of the dog park, Melksham Town Council has agreed that any adaptations or replacement equipment must be signed off by the Kennel Club or other competent body before purchase and installation. However, the move has attracted criticism from dog owners who say they should still be able to let their dog exercise in the fenced-off park area, without using the agility equipment. 

The emergency motion to shut the dog park, based in King George V Park, was made at the full town council meeting on Monday 27th November. It followed a Melksham News investigation that found the dog agility equipment, which cost the town council £18,000, did not meet the ‘fun agility’ guidelines set out by the Kennel Club. 

The investigation followed a series of complaints from residents and dog agility enthusiasts. Melksham News measured the equipment against the advice provided to the council in October by the Kennel Club and contacted the organisation directly, with photographs and measurements. 

Reviewing the information received, a member of staff from the Kennel Club said they would be “deeply concerned about the safety of the equipment.” 

Council statement 

Following the article published by Melksham News, the town clerk, Linda Roberts, issued a statement on the council’s website on 22nd November on behalf of council officers saying, “The Dog Agility Area in King George V Park is a free, leisure facility for use by dogs under the supervision of their owners and at their own risk. It is therefore not subject to stipulations from The Kennel Club.”  

However, the council has confirmed to Melksham News that the statement was the view of the town clerk only, and not that of the council.  

At the town council meeting on 27th November, several questions were raised by councillors, members of the public and Melksham News, but the clerk was not present at the meeting to answer them. 

Resident reaction 

Reacting to the news on Melksham News’ Facebook page, that the dog park was to be closed, one resident said, “No one wanted the equipment in the first place and now the park will be shut for God knows how long, so we can’t take our dogs there! What a waste of money! Lighting inside the park is needed but we, the public that uses the park, never seem to be asked what we’d like.” 

Another resident said, “I am so fed up with them shutting it. My dogs aren’t interested in the equipment, why should we be unable to use it?” 

Professional advice 

One resident who complained about the safety of the equipment is local dog agility trainer, Andrew Bloomfield, who has now been contacted by the town council to advise on the dog park going forward. 

He said, “I am glad that the safety of local residents and dogs has finally been addressed by Melksham Town Council. I feel privileged to have been asked to advise with the situation that has arisen going forward in terms of safety and the agility equipment, as I have been involved in the sport of agility for over seven years as a competitor under Kennel Club rules. 

“I look forward to working closely with the council to provide a safe, enrichment environment for local people and their faithful friends.” 

There is currently no timescale as to when the equipment will be removed or when the dog park can be re-opened. An investigation has also been launched by the town council, into the process of tendering and installation of the dog park agility equipment.