Dog walkers in Cookham are divided over a parish council decision to introduce a dogs-on-the-lead policy at one of its large parks.

Alfred Major Recreation Ground is owned by Cookham Parish Council (CPC). It is a popular place for letting dogs off the lead, as it covers 14 acres of green space.

This month, CPC made the difficult decision to introduce a set of new rules for Alfred Major, including a requirement to keep dogs on the lead.

Since then, a flurry of posts has appeared on social media, accompanied by scores of comments from people in disagreement on whether this was the right call.

One of those against the changes described it as ‘one of the most disappointing decisions’ for the village.

Others pitched in to share their own ‘terrifying’ experiences of dogs that were not in their owner’s control, and fears for their young children and grandchildren.

Councillor Bill Perry, chairman of CPC, told the Advertiser that the parish council had been receiving complaints about out-of-control big dogs at Alfred Major, as well as dog fouling.

Moreover, grounds maintenance staff attempting to address the situation were being ‘abused’ by some of the owners.

As such, CPC made the decision to extend the remit of its existing chief commons officer, an enforcement professional who helps quell antisocial behaviour in Odney Common.

There was much debate over this at the parish council, with some members feeling that all that was needed would be requirement to keep dogs under control.

But others felt this was flawed and doomed to fail.

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