It cannot have gone unnoticed to club members and players that irresponsible dog walkers have been allowing their dogs to defecate on the pitches and training areas at Mill Road, and that there has been a huge recent increase in this issue.
Last night, Andy Wadling (President), Jon Smith (Safeguarding Officer) and Ross Cowie (Youth Chairman) met with David Carter from CBC and Councillor, Martin Goss. Following a rigorous discussion, it is clear that the Rugby Club’s preferred solution of a formal immediate ban on dogs off leads is not feasible.
However, we did agree a number of measures :-
The council would immediately seek to implement an accelerated consultation process to bring in a Dog Control Order – we understand that this will take 4-5 months.
Many more signs would be erected around the perimeter of the ground, telling dog walkers to keep their dogs off the pitches (but not enforceable), and warning of fines.
There would be much increased vigilance from the Zone Warden team, who would talk with errant dog walkers, and impose fines if necessary
The club would provide names of potential enforcers (could be PCs) who could issue spot notices if dog walkers were caught leaving “a mess”.
We would start a press campaign, but stressing that we were working with the council to eliminate the problem.
We now look forward to working with the CBC team and Zone Wardens to ensure a reduced on-going problem.
As a club, we very much appreciate the support of all of Colchester Borough Councillors who have become involved – thank you very much indeed.