01/03/2007
Reassurance in parks and public open spaces
Citywatch Patrol and Response Officers, together with Merseyside Police officers, are patrolling parks and cemeteries in Liverpool to tackle anti-social behaviour, in particular problems caused by irresponsible dog owners who let their animals roam free, causing danger to others.
The City Council and Merseyside Police are working together to target irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to cause fear among other park and cemetery users.
Councillor Dave Antrobus, executive member for community safety, said: "We are determined to make sure that our parks and cemeteries are safe places for everyone to use.
"This initiative provides reassurance for people who use parks, and gives us the opportunity to tackle the small minority of dog owners whose thoughtless actions put off individuals and families from visiting their local park."
The joint patrols are initially taking place at parks and cemeteries across the city until the end of March.
The Council's Assistant Executive Director for Community Safety, Nick Phillips, said: "These high visibility patrols are part of the partners' commitment to tackle anti social behaviour.
"Everyone has a right to enjoy their local area of open space. Dog owners need to understand that allowing their animals to run free can cause real problems. It's important to stress that any dog can cause danger or injury - it's not just about those breeds that people popularly classify as dangerous. Owners must understand that not everyone else is a dog lover, and they can be easily intimidated by a dog that isn't under close control. Most owners act responsibly, but there is a minority out there that we'll be focusing on in terms of education and enforcement action."
Liverpool has the largest collection of parks and open spaces outside London.
The City Council's Patrol and Response team work closely with Merseyside Police to patrol parks around the clock.
For further information contact:
Dave Evans on dave.evans@liverpool.gov.uk
<< Back