I WAS interested to read a letter regarding my taking of my dog Hugo to Queen’s Park which appears to the author to indicate I am above the rules. Well after this sensational news Hugo and I have gone on the run, well a reasonable paced walk around the dog friendly parks of Swindon.

Mr Davis is correct in highlighting this strange quirk in our bylaws which allows dogs in every park in the town except for Queen’s Park. Obviously it is crazy and has duly been ignored for as long as I can remember. Indeed the fact the park is used by good dog owners is clearly understood by the presence of a dog mess bin at the main entrance.

I have been involved in the park excluding playing there as a child for over 25 years as a member and the current chair of the Queen’s Park Community Council. In all that time we have never had an issue with sensible dog owners in the park. Indeed at last year’s summer fete in the park the star attraction was a performing dog show. Our latest project is a community cafe which is run by volunteers from the Upham Road Centre, community cafes and the community council with all the profits going back into the community.

As with Coate and Town Gardens the cafe can be used by dog owners and provides a wonderful setting for all users. Everything I and my colleagues do is to encourage the use of the park whether it’s the cafe, events or helping create attractions such as the fountain, funded via the community council. I do not see altering a non enforceable bylaw to fit in with the accepted practise of taking dogs on leads in the park as a major issue. However, if Mr Davis believes it merits serious attention I am happy to invite him to our next community council meeting on April 6 to discuss the issue. I would hate him to think I would let sleeping dogs lie.

COUN STAN PAJAK Drove Road Swindon