As Friends of Blakers Park our mission is to protect and enhance this lovely green space for all to enjoy. What follows is both an explanation and a request.
The enclosed area in the middle of Blakers Park was designated as dog-free for more than 40 years after local parents had asked the Council to make this a safe space for young children to be able to play and picnic. This request was granted because even when dog poo is removed it leaves toxic traces harmful to humans. The Council put up ‘ No Dog’ signs.
Then, in 2023, following a change in the national law regarding separated areas in parks, the dog free status was changed and the signs were removed by the Council.
Many members of our community, including dog owners like ourselves, are unhappy about dogs being allowed to enter this area because it had been known as ‘dog free’ for so many years.
There will be a proposal going forward for a PSPO (Public Safety Preservation Order) to bring back the dog-free status. This may take some time to process and we have just asked the Council, backed by our Councillors for an urgent meeting.
We will update this page as soon as we know more.
Meanwhile, we would politely request that people to recognise the risk to children and please not to let dogs enter the area. There is a much bigger grassy area above these railings where dogs are very welcome – as well as the rest of the open parts of the Park.
Friends of Blakers Park October 2024
