Residents say they were not consulted on relocated dog park

BCP Council has said the fenced exercise area will allow owners to let their “dogs run free over and around the mini mounds… or use the space to brush up on training”.

However, the residents of Windsor Road — which backs onto where enclosed space is being built — say they were not consulted about its final location.

Annie Davis, 82, said: “The initial green space development plans had the dog training area on the other side Somerset Road, but nobody told us about this new arrangement, which now backs onto our bungalows.

“When we asked why it was moved, we were told this position would cause ‘less impact’ — for who, exactly? Because this will have a huge impact on the people living here.

“It’s an eye sore.

The view of the dog training area from the back garden of one of the residents. (Image: Ben Sturt)

“We’re old people and we know we can’t buy a view, but we bought these properties because we had a lovely green space there — nobody said it would be built on.

“We don’t like how we’ve been treated.”

BCP say that the dog training area was relocated after a public consultation in summer 2025.

Annie’s husband, James Davis, 85, claimed that the council have “not listened” to residents.

“Nobody gave us a vote, nothing,” he said.

“BCP Council are like Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship.

“We’re a load of old people, I need a stick, I can’t see, I can’t walk, I can only speak —and I would like to shout at them.

“When my wife and I moved here 28 years ago this was like the Garden of Eden, but look at it now — it’s like a rubbish dump!”

Heather Snow, 81, is worried the secluded space will encourage anti-social behaviour.

“When people walk past it, they come right up against our back gardens and look into our windows — it’s an intrusion on our privacy,” she said.

“It’s a big, secluded area; you’ll get kids going behind the bushes where they can’t be seen, bring the booze, smoke wacky baccy — we can see it happening.

“We love dogs, some of us have dogs, that’s not what this is about, but every dog owner we’ve spoken to said they wouldn’t use this enclosed space.”

The initial Bernard's Mead plans — before the dog park training area (6) was moved to the other side of Somerset Road. (Image: Bernard's Mead Improvement Plans)

Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, said: “These improvements will create a better, more welcoming green space at Bernard’s Mead.

“The final design was shaped by public consultation in summer 2025, leading to changes including a smaller, relocated dog training area.

“We appreciate the feedback we received and know many residents are looking forward to enjoying the finished space.

 “With works nearing completion, we are excited to see these improvements brought to life for the community to enjoy for years to come.”