Residents kick up a stink over Allesley Park dog mess

[dutchman]

Families are kicking up a stink over dog mess which they say is ruining their enjoyment of Coventry's historic Allesley Park.



Regular visitors to Allesley Park say they are fed up with the sight of dog muck in the picturesque green – and having to avoid stepping in the mess left by irresponsible pet owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

They say it is not only an eyesore but represents a health risk to walkers and youngsters in the recreation ground.

Residents have lodged a petition bearing nearly 400 signatures with Coventry City Council calling for the park to be cleaned more frequently.

It was started by Debbie Niblett, who visits the area off Allesley Hall Drive at least twice a week as part of a walking group.

The mum-of-three, from Winsford Avenue, said: “We were walking one day and found ourselves dodging dog poo every couple of metres.

“We were constantly looking down at the ground in case we stepped in mess.

“I thought to myself ‘Enough is enough’. It’s totally disgusting.”

For fellow walker Becky Element, of Woodburn Close, Allesley Park, the final straw came when she slipped on dog mess and injured herself.

“It happened about two weeks ago,” said the 36-year-old.

“I was walking my brother’s dog at the time.

“It was dark and I couldn’t see the ground, then my foot slid on dog mess.

“I fell on my side and I had to take painkillers for the pain.”

The park users have confronted dog owners over the issue.

But Becky said: “It shouldn’t be our job to police the park – you never know how someone’s going to react.”

Councillor Bally Singh (Lab, Whoberley) fears the dog fouling problem threatens the park’s Green Flag status, which it secured for reaching the national benchmark for its standards in areas such as health and safety.

Coun Singh said: “The 370 people who signed the petition recognise that this is a big issue and I want the council to do all it can to clean it.”

Coun Jayne Innes (Lab, Whoberley) also backs the campaign.

She said: “I’m a mum as well as a councillor and my kids have been coming to this park since they were in their pram.

“My children are saying the problem has got worse recently and I’ve noticed it more.

“Like Bally, I will do everything I can to make the park a more pleasant place.”

[dutchman]

Action on dog mess in Coventry's Allesley Park

COUNCIL officers monitored an historic Coventry park this week as part of the battle against dog mess.

Allesley Park had a team of officers handing out clean-up bags at the entrances on Thursday and warning owners if they do not clear up mess they will be fined.

It follows a campaign by Coun Bally Singh who lodged a petition of more than 370 residents calling for the park to be cleaned more regularly.

Coun Singh (Lab, Whoberley) said: “The people of Allesley Park are tired of these lazy dog owners who cause this unsightly mess.

“All we ask, is that they start to take pride in their area.”

The issue of dog mess led to a Facebook group called Pride in Allesley Park being set up and attracting 300 members.

[dutchman]

The Allesley Park cleanup operation was featured in tonight's edition of Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners on Channel 4. The Coventry segment begins 17 minutes into the programme. Be warned that it contains some pretty stomach churning scenes!