A woman who planned to host a mass charity dog walk in a Swindon park has been left angered after being told to pay £375 to use the venue.

Megan Ody of West Swindon was aiming to host a mass charity dog walk in Lydiard Park later this month to raise money for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The 27-year-old, who pet sits and walks dogs for a living, was shocked to find that the event would cost her a significant cost when she contacted Swindon Borough Council.

“I didn’t think I would need to pay a fee but after speaking to other dog walkers, they advised me to check to be on the safe side,” she said.

Swindon Advertiser: Lydiard Park has been selected to host the dog walk.Lydiard Park has been selected to host the dog walk. (Image: Dave Cox)

“I emailed the council and explained the scenario and that it would be a charity event but they responded saying that it would cost £375.

“After I responded explaining that I was doing it for charity they stopped responding to me.”

The cost required would take Megan around two weeks or more to pay using funds from her Pet Walks business.

“If it was a small fee I could understand but £375 is a lot of money,” she said.

“We wouldn’t be using a lot of space in the park as we’d be walking dogs which is the same as any member of the public can do.

“I was only trying to do a community activity for a good cause.”

Swindon Advertiser: Megan was angered by the price quoted by the council to use Lydiard Park.Megan was angered by the price quoted by the council to use Lydiard Park. (Image: Megan Ody)

Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Town Centre Experience, said: “We are keen to encourage community and charity events in our country parks and regularly host a number of successful events throughout the year.

“We have charged for such events for a number of years with the fees going towards paying for any clean-up costs.

“However, we do provide significant discounts for charity fundraisers and fees are charged on a sliding scale depending on how many attendees are expected.

“I appreciate the organiser of this event is disappointed by the charging policy, but we have to be fair to all charities who use Lydiard.”

Swindon Advertiser: The Runner pub has been chosen as the new venue for the event.The Runner pub has been chosen as the new venue for the event. (Image: Google Maps)

The 27-year-old has since found a new venue for her charity event, opting to host it at The Runner pub on Wootton Bassett Road.

“They’re a dog-friendly pub and are absolutely fine with me doing it,” said Megan.

“I’m still looking forward to the walk and so are my clients who are attending.”

The walk will aim to go ahead from 12pm on Sunday, March 12, weather permitting.