The field behind Thornton Community Centre is a shared community space, not a place to leave dog waste.
Children should be able to play on the field to the rear of Thornton Community Centre without dog mess getting in the way. Yet children from the Play group, who regularly use this outdoor space, are having to be denied the chance to play outside because dog owners are leaving waste behind.
This is unacceptable. A space intended for children, residents and visitors is being spoiled by people failing to carry out the most basic responsibility of dog ownership: cleaning up after their dogs.
Investment deserves respect
Two years ago, the trustees of Thornton Community Centre took over maintenance of the field and hedging from the Parish Council. At a cost of £2,000 per annum, this commitment was made to improve the outdoor facilities for residents and visitors to the centre.
That investment should mean a better space for everyone to enjoy. Instead, dog mess is undermining the effort being made to keep the grounds welcoming and usable.
Danny, the groundsman who regularly mows the field, is appalled at the mess dog owners are leaving behind. Maintaining the grass should not mean having to deal with waste that owners should have removed themselves.
Three bins. No excuse.
There are three refuse bins within yards of the field, including a designated dog poo bin. The facilities are there. Leaving dog mess on the grass is not a matter of having nowhere to put it — it is a failure to take responsibility.
There were 5 bins but some irresponsible person(s) thought it would be funny to throw 2 of the new blue bins into the reservoir.
The consequences are being felt by the children. Because of the risks involved, the Play group is having to deny them outdoor play. Children should not lose access to their play space because someone else cannot be bothered to clean up.
Clean up — every time
The message to every dog owner using this field is simple: bring bags, pick up after your dog immediately and put the bagged waste in a bin. Do not leave it on the grass for Danny, the trustees or anyone else to deal with.
This is not about blaming owners who already do the right thing. It is about insisting that everyone meets the same basic standard. A shared community space only works when those who use it show consideration for others.
The trustees are investing in this field. Danny is working to maintain it. The children deserve to enjoy it. There is no excuse for leaving dog mess behind — and no reason children should be the ones paying the price.
TCC Trustees
