Petition handed to Flintshire Council calling for clamp down on dog fouling in Wepre Park

A petition has been handed to Flintshire Council requesting the authority clamp down on dog fouling at a Connah’s Quay beauty spot.

Connah’s Quay South Cllr Bill Crease (Ind) handed in a petition on behalf of Connah’s Quay Angling Club, the voluntary community group based at Rosie lake, Wepre Park.

They are calling for dogs to be banned from certain areas around the lake, as dog fouling is blighting the enjoyment of anglers, walkers and community groups using the facilities.

The angling club manages the facilities on the council owned land. The lake is known nationally as a premier angling destination, attracting anglers from all over the country and in the last few years funding has been secured to make the Rosie accessible for all.

Improvements have seen fishing platforms replaced ensuring they meet disability standards with kickboards and side rails for additional safety.

A new fence protects anglers and wildlife and in 2021 a new path was out in around the perimeter of the Rosie making it wheelchair accessible, and CCTV was installed.

Presenting the petition at a full meeting of Flintshire Council, Cllr Crease said: “All of these environmental, security, safety and wellbeing improvements are being put at risk by a few inconsiderate dog walkers.

“Sadly irresponsible owners who refuse to clean up after their animals are creating a significant health risk to users of the facility and casual walkers.”

Cllr Crease asked fellow members to imagine they were in a wheelchair on the path having to navigate dog muck.

“The club’s efforts to engage the very youngest children in an outdoor, open air, healthy pursuit has also been thwarted by health and safety risks to this young vulnerable group”, he said.

Cllr Crease added that routes for less able walkers are “marred with dog muck”.

“The petition is a result of dogs causing nuisance, health risks and damage to resources and environment”, he said.

Cllr Crease called for the gated and fenced area around the Rosie to be included in any current or future Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to prohibit dogs from entering at any time.

A PSPO deals with a particular nuisance that affects the local community’s quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of an area which apply to everyone and some breaches can lead to a £75 fine.

Flintshire Council officers will respond to the petition within six weeks.

At the end of the year, petitions and their responses are brought back to full council.

By Rory Sheehan – Local Democracy Reporter