THERE has been a mixed reaction from dog owners to Swindon Borough Council’s proposal to fine dog walkers who do not keep their animals on a lead in certain parts of Lydiard Park.

Last week, it was announced a consultation has begun on the introduction of a public space protection order (PSPO).

If approved, it will mean dogs must be kept on leads outside Lydiard House, the barbecue area and the sports area and will come into effect from April until September every year.

Council chiefs say it is to make the park a more pleasant place for non-dog owners but some have said it is a heavy-handed approach.

Dave Rogers of Freshbrook, who regularly takes three-year-old Wally, a Jack Russell to Lydiard, said: “It’s not needed. If the dogs are well-behaved then they should be allowed to run free.

“It’s good for them to socialise with other dogs.”

His view is shared by Agatha Tavener, who takes her two Dachshunds Ozzy and Arnie to the park most days.

“I have never seen anyone complain about loose dogs,” she said.

“I can understand why you would have one at weekends in the barbecue area but on a Friday morning when it is empty it seems unnecessary.

“It is good for the dogs to be able run around and they don’t cause anybody any harm.”

However, there are some who can see the benefits of introducing the PSPO but have questioned how it will be policed and they would like all anti-social behaviour at Lydiard tackled.

“I can see why they are looking to introduce something in the summers when there are more children about,” said Lyn Davis, of Old Town, who walks four-year-old Tilly, a sheepdog, in the grounds.

“But if they are going to do it, I would like to see something done about people who just leave their barbecues and bottles lying around.”

There is support from both Labour and Conservative councillors for the proposal, which they say will make the park more enjoyable for everyone.

Coun Matthew Courtliff (Lab, Lydiard and Freshbrook) said: “The council’s proposal is about making sure boisterous and excitable dogs don’t spoil the enjoyment of Lydiard Park for families and other groups enjoying barbecues, picnics, or playing sports.

“Similar restrictions are often applied to beaches for the same reasons.”

The cabinet member responsible for Lydiard, Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick) said: “The vast majority of the park will still be able to be used by dog owners exactly as now, and the area we propose to restrict to dogs on leads will only be for limited times of the day and for half of the year.”

Detail on the consultation can be found at: www.swindon.gov.uk/lydiardpspo