THE moor seems likely to be off limits for dog walkers for the foreseeable future, and the sheer volume of excrement and its disposal is creating problems and dissension.
Has the town council thought of the problem long-term and constructively, I wonder?
One solution might be to review the by-laws regarding fencing of common land in view of the emergency, and put up a temporary post and wire netting fence across the moor between the Pimple and the cricket pitch.
There are natural stone wall boundaries on all sides except one. The fence would keep the sheep and ponies still out on the moor and release a large parcel of secure land with access only from Chollacott, Witham Park, Westmoor Park and the cut up from Down Road. No farmland involved.
We need facilities not bans and prohibitions.
Pat Alexander
(and Perry
and Amber)
Down Road
Tavistock
AS dog-owners who now walk through Benson's Meadow twice a day, we are disgusted by the behaviour of those irresponsible dog-owners who do not 'clear-up' after their pets.
Presumably they take pleasure from the companionship of their dogs: why will they not accept that ownership carries responsibility to ensure that their pet does not cause offence and pollution?
Today we spent an unpleasant hour cleaning up what others should have removed.
Sadly for all concerned, particularly the farmers, restrictions seem likely to continue for many weeks to come. If unthinking dog-owners continue to ignore their responsibilities, the only area available for exercising a dog will become so polluted that none will be able to walk there, and our pets will suffer.
How sad it was to see so many daffodils, planted to give pleasure but now picked and scattered on the riverbank. The litter left behind by a group of youngsters enjoying themselves on the skateboard 'half-pipe' did nothing to cheer us up. It was, in fact, a very depressing start to the day.
By the time we took our second walk of the day, ten more dog-owners had ignored their obligation to 'clean-up' after their pets. Who are these people who behave in such an anti-social way?
'Two Saddened
Dog-walkers.'
Names and address supplied
PERHAPS the mayor and town councillors could take positive action to reduce the use of footpaths (Times March 8) by urgently rescinding the proviso for dogs to be kept on a leash in the Meadows, with the exception of the children's play area.
The Pixon Lane side is rapidly ceasing to be a viable alternative for the exercising of dogs with increased numbers of responsible dog owners attempting to share the very limited space afforded by the narrow footpaths together with the greater number of young people with scooters, roller blades, bikes etc who are now attracted to the new site of the skate park.
The surrounding grassy areas are fast becoming a quagmire while the rest of the Meadows with its wide walkways remain practically deserted.
Heather Badgery
12 Dolvin Road
Tavistock