Dog run opens in new park location

The popular dog run in Holbeach has been moved to its new home.

While the run has only moved across Carter’s Park, the shift marks Holbeach Parish Council’s completion of the project.

The off-lead dog run has opened following the installation of new fencing, landscaping and an accessible lock.

The work came about after it was decided the previous dog run was no longer fit for purpose.

Chairman of Parks, Kelly Wilson, said: “This is a vital offering for the residents of Holbeach and an attraction for others to come to the town.

“As Holbeach grows, more pressure is put onto the park to be as efficient as possible and this was seen as a key facility to preserve. Following a review of the costs of replacing the existing fencing in the old area by the clerk, as well as the provisions of Carter’s Park for all residents old and new, the full council decided that the most cost effective way of preserving this facility was to move it to near the football club.

“Shaded by trees and with a solid fence on one side to counter prevailing wind, this area is a lovely landscaped piece previously unused which will now protect facilities for dog owners that use the off lead area for exercising their dog.

“As other councils generally shut their parks to dogs, it was important in the decision to find a way to accommodate everyone that uses Carter’s Park.”

Since its opening on June 4, further work has taken place to address issues that have arisen.

Holbeach resident and dog owner Gillian Dainton contacted The Voice to say she was concerned that her small dog Barney could get his head stuck in the railings, wood chips from a felled tree could get stuck in his paws and the horse chestnut tree’s fruit is poisonous to dogs.

A council spokesman said improvements have been made to the fence and the tree was felled for safety reasons.

Coun Paul Foyster said: “Some trees can be poisonous if the dog eats enough like the Horse Chestnut tree, but it would take a large amount of the tree to cause great effect.”

Mrs Dainton, who would also like the park to open earlier, said she would not use the park when conkers start to drop.

Coun Foyster said the new park has saved £3,000 in repairs and the council is open to suggestions as to how to improve it.