DOG owners in Crewkerne who use the Henhayes recreation ground may soon have to keep their dogs on leads at all times there.

The Kennel Club is urging locals to voice their concerns at the town council amenities committee meeting from 7.15pm on November 11, at Crewkerne Town Hall, where an open forum will allow a short time for members of the public to speak.

Betty Spanswick, 84, lives five minutes away and uses the site to exercise her three-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, Amber.

Betty said: “There are many people in this community who depend on Henhayes recreation ground to exercise their dogs off lead.

“There are a number of elderly and disabled people who use the ground because it is a flat area and easy to access and it gives them an opportunity to socialise, an opportunity which they may not have otherwise.

“Of course the council needs to find ways to curb dog fouling, but forcing dogs to be kept on leads at all times on Henhayes recreation ground will not solve the problem.

“Those who offend will continue to do so while the responsible dog owners will be penalised.”

The meeting’s agenda is available at www.crewkernetown.org/towncouncil or on noticeboards outside the town hall and in Falkland Square.