Concern over closure of dog exercise area in Thatcham
A popular dog exercise area in Thatcham may close in just over a year sparking frustration among local pet owners.
The Thatcham Memorial Playing Fields is part of a council plan to protect homes from flooding, meaning it may have to close its enclosed dog exercise area.
The location was identified as a potential site in West Berkshire’s Surface Water Management Plan.
The site was originally used for organised sport and recreation but later opened up an enclosed dog area where animals could roam lead-free.
The implementation of the council's Flood Alleviation Scheme means that this space may be lost by January 2024.
A ‘Save our Dog Park’ group has subsequently emerged on Facebook and is growing, with more than 150 members.
Group founder and puppy owner Sharon Munday is exploring multiple avenues in an attempt to save the space or have it moved elsewhere.
She has contacted Newbury MP Laura Farris, Thatcham Town Council and the Thatcham Memorial Foundation.
She said: “I take my puppy there daily for socialising and training. I live on the other side of town.
“I have spoken to a few of the regular people there and have realised how damaging it will be to lose this space.”
The Thatcham Memorial Foundation has been made aware of the group and has since responded to what it called 'social media discussion'.
It said: “The purpose of this area and what it has become to local residents are quite different.
"The Foundation was only made aware of this plan in Summer 2018 and have worked with engineers and Thatcham Town Cricket Club in an attempt to influence the design to ensure the greatest amount of amenity space is retained for organised sport and events that support the object for which the charity was originally formed."
The site work is expected to take up in excess of 50 per cent of the playing fields.
In 2021 The Memorial Foundation's Board of Trustees resolved not to install a temporary dog exercise compound while works were being undertaken.
However it has made a request to the countryside department at West Berkshire Council and Thatcham Town Council to look at installing a similar facility in Thatcham on council owned public open space elsewhere in the town.
It said: “When the flood alleviation scheme works are completed the area will be surveyed.
"Compatible uses and additional amenities will then be investigated.”
Newbury MP Laura Farris echoed the organisation's response telling dog walkers she hopes the Memorial Foundation's statement goes some way to "providing reassurance that there is no immediate threat” to the loss of the dog area.
