WITH regard to the remarks of Cllr Teresa Edwards about dogs being kept on leads in Simmons Park, I urge her to ignore the concerns of a lone member of the public and approach the problem, if there is one, from the angle of close control by the dog owners.

I regularly walk my collie, Molly in the park and would not do so if she had to be kept on a lead. But then my dog is under my control at all times.

Looked at from Molly's point of view, nothing could be more boring than being on a lead and walking to heel all the time. I love to see people throwing balls long distances with these purpose-made plastic ball throwers, for their dogs to chase, and so does Molly.

If they had to be kept on leads the chaser would be denied the joy, the exercise and the pleasure of the chase and their owners would have to walk them ten times further.

If there is a problem that needs tackling, and undoubtedly there is, it is that of people still not cleaning up after their dogs. The worst place I've seen now is the footpath up Ball Hill from Exeter Road from the exit from the new estate for about 50 yards. Why won't people clean up as there is a dog box just a few yards down the hill?

Since I came to live in Okehampton four years ago there has been a vast improvement in this respect, both in the park and the Fatherford Lane area where I walk my dog daily. However, there are still some offenders who need to be stopped and dealt with.

I was walking recently towards the children's play area in the park when I saw a young woman walk towards me. I suspected that her dog was leaving a calling card. but could't be sure so didn't stop her to ask her to clean it up. She suddenly called her dog and sprinted past me — sure enough, the offending pile was within five yards of the play area fence with people sitting and playing on the grass all around the area. By then she was far enough away for me not to be able to remonstrate with her so I cleaned it up and put it in the box close by.

That, in my opinion, is a much greater problem than dogs off leads and if there is to be action taken then that is the problem to act upon.

Can I suggest that classes should be held in the park, offering to teach people how to scoop? It is a skill that is easy to master and one which I admit I was squeamish about at first.

Perhaps dog training clubs could be persuaded to hold classes and competitions awarding points for different levels of skill, ending with a rosette for a perfect exhibition of scooping. Just imagine national awards! Well, I can dream!

Graham Ward

Baldwin Drive

Okehampton