David's Non-Check Thurs 28th August. Important observations & public comments for Managers -nothing to do with cows!

 Sorry All, but I twisted by ankle yesterday, and still hobbling today.

I decided to try, and walked up to both enclosures.

However, no cows were visible from the gates. I decided that the ankle would not hold up, nor do me any favours, by struggling around in the undergrowth to find the cows. So, I returned without finding them.

Again, I have to report a lot of dog poo in very many places on the canal path. I bumped into quite a number of walkers, some with dogs, who were all complaining about the amount of poo being left on the path. there were also a lot of dogs running around, a long way from owners, too.

I was asked by a few people to try and get something done about the poo, and some signage that is significantly more evident ie much larger specific signage, to instruct dog owners to:

a) keep dogs on a lead - I did point out the tiny print on the new signs, which raised a few laughs as to whether anyone would notice.....

b) to pick up the poo and put it in bins. Comment was also made about bags pf poo being left around too.

These are all things that I have raised in the past, along with other complaints from people - and me too, about cyclists using the Reserve/Canal Footpath. It is not a cycle=path and signage must be erected, that is large enough to see. maybe they will not read it, but it gives us something to refer them to, as well as members of the public being able to, as well. If the signs are not put up, then there is zero chance of people actually being aware that it is not a cycle path.
two other users of the path also said that the poo bin by the car park is extremely smelly and unpleasant o use. One mentioned finding another method of opening for the bin/another bin, that did not involve having to lift a lid to deposit poo. Not my field.

I said to all that I would report these issues, again, as I had raised them before. 

In summary, we have a lovely area that is being trashed and made unpleasant/ dangerous to use, by a few irresponsible people. The area is also becoming very overgrown, and viewing both the canal and the Meadows from the Canal Path is becoming very difficult.

I am hoping that someone reading this blog, in authority, can take on board these public comments, have a discussion with me, and let's draw up some plans to deal with all the issues. It needs to be done.