The powers that be have decided the railings around the main pond in Brockwell Park should be removed.

This will allow all the dogs who frequent the park easy access to the water. It seems nobody has taken time to ask the dog walkers if they want this new change, and the vast majority of them DON'T want it.

Removing the railings will make the water accessable to everyone, including dogs and small children. The dogs will be able to get to the nesting grounds of the ducks, and will be able to worry the ducks and their ducklings, perhaps even catch them, and destroy them. We can't blame the dogs, as this is just a natural instinct for them. Many dogs in the park are "water dogs" and will love the water, but their owners are up in arms about it. The pond is most likely full of weeds and dogs could get caught up in them when swimming, let alone the prospect of a wet, smelly dog every day!

Also, what about the health and safety of small children, who could easily run off and fall in the pond and get into difficulties or even drown?

The reason given for this change is: "They have removed the railings around the ponds on Clapham Common", but this is not a good enough reason to do so in Brockwell Park.

When there are so many cuts happening in public spending, why are Lambeth Council spending money on a project nobody wants?  We desperately need new bins in the park, but they are disappearing, not increasing!  Even if the money is coming from a Lottery Grant, as for the new Paddling Pool, surely they don't HAVE to spend it on removing the railings, they could always replace the old railings with new, shiny ones, or even give the money back!

Please sign this petition to stop this madness.

Thank you

Links