Foundation Survey 2010
WIRKSWORTH DOG OWNERS SHAMED BY FOUNDATION GOVERNORS SURVEY
62% of Wirksworth residents who participated in a recent survey undertaken by the Anthony Gell School Foundation Trust about the footpaths surrounding the school land cited ‘dog mess’ as their greatest cause of concern. The Foundation owns the land that contains the school and playing fields and, as a part its commitment to maintaining and improving the environment in and around the school, it is planning to revitalise the perimeter areas, especially the land through which footpaths run. The survey had been undertaken because the Foundation wished to obtain local residents’ views on the present situation and their suggestions for improvements.
High levels of displeasure about dog mess were reported and pleas for more rigorous implementation of bylaws to control dog fouling were made. The Foundation is taking this concern very seriously and will be taking the matter up with Town and District Councils. Residents reported seeing some people walking their dogs every morning and failing to clean up after them and others commented on their disgust at having to clean mess off the wheels of pushchairs and buggies. The path from St Mary’s Gate is apparently known locally as ‘dog s**t alley’ �" a most unpleasant claim to fame. The negligent owners may be a minority but the mess their dogs create spoils the paths for all users. Responsible owners asked for more bins and for the grass verges to be kept cut to make it easier to clear up after their dogs.
Despite the dog mess, 59% of the respondents reported how important the paths around the school playing fields are to them allowing them to access a pleasant, open, green area where they can appreciate the wildlife and changing seasons. A further 54% commented that the paths were valuable as a quiet and traffic free way to access different parts of the town, especially the Health Centre, shops, the Leisure Centre, work and schools.
Litter was another cause for concern. 46% of respondents commented on this, some blaming school children but some others commented that they regularly saw older people leaving litter, especially drink cans, and thought it unfair that the schoolchildren always get blamed. The Foundation is also taking this concern seriously and will work with the local council and the school to develop a number of strategies for improving the situation.
There was strong support for better management of the pathways, fences, hedges and grassland and, amongst others, suggestions for lighting, waymarking, some seating, and widening of the paths to allow space for cyclists and pedestrians to pass more easily. A limited amount of additional tree planting was generally thought to be preferable to woodland planting.
The issue of fencing proved to be controversial in that people appreciated that the fields need to be fenced to keep dogs off and to protect children at school but also wished to have the free and easy access across the fields that used to exist. Many commented on the fact that, unless very robust, fencing seems to be breached inevitably by those seeking a short cut.
The Trustees of the Foundation wish to express their gratitude to all of the Wirksworth residents who took the time to complete and return the questionnaires. Fifteen people offered to help with some of the improvement work when it is undertaken and these people will be contacted shortly.
To see the full report follow this link :Report
