Information on public speaking is available online
Minutes:
Sandra Ward spoke on the item Public Spaces Protection Orders Approval Review. She stated she lived in Kilmington and that treating people fairly must be ensured legally by EDDC so as not to breach the 2010 Equality Act. She felt this had not been used when applying the PSPO on the Kilmington Playing Fields. She said that there had been no consideration for having one area of levelled access for people with disabilities or mobility issues when walking their dogs. She was concerned that the residents vote to allow dogs off lead had not been considered. Residents could make use of the field every day. She asked for due diligence in treating people fairly when this item was considered.
Martin Huscroft spoke on the item Public Spaces Protection Orders Approval Review. He stated that Kilmington Cricket Club had been playing cricket here since 1906 and that the club was the main contributor for the running costs of the playing fields and pavilion. The playing field was used by the primary school, village residents and young people alongside the Cricket club using it for training, coaching and matches. Many villages were club members and supporters. Since the introduction of the Dogs on Leads PSPO in 2023 the incidents of dog fowling had significantly reduced, the free running of dogs was the main contributor to the dog fowling. He stated that as a club they had legal responsibilities for the health and safety of all cricketers to ensure safeguarding. Dogs on leads would not encroach on the club’s activities on the field but dogs off leads could chase balls as well as players. He thanked Kilmington Parish Council and primary school for their support in this matter and EDDC’s environmental health team for their recommendations to keep the current controls in place.
John Lavender, Chair of the Kilmington Playing Fields Committee spoke on the item Public Spaces Protection Orders Approval Review. He stated the Committee had governance responsibilities for the playing field. For safeguarding reasons, the committee opposed the dogs off leads proposal. He believed the new proposal failed the safeguarding test and that all protections should be applied throughout the day and not just at certain times of the day. Activities on the field can co-exist dogs walking on leads but not when off lead. He stated the Kilmington Playing Fields Committee supported these proposals for dogs being kept on leads.
Yvette Turner spoke on the item Public Spaces Protection Orders Approval Review. She represented the Kilmington Dog Walking Group and was a resident of Kilmington. She stated that PSPOs must be proportionate and avoid blanket bans. A dog on lead rule would affect many elderly and disabled residents who can access the field safely and essential for their mobility, mental health and independence. She felt the residents compromise backed by the Kennel Club was more proportionate that the PSPO proposals.
Cllr Arnold Dare represented Kilmington Parish Council and spoke on the item Public Spaces Protection Orders Approval Review. He stated 3 parish councillors sat on the Kilmington playing Fields Committee to ensure their views were represented. Dog access on the playing field had been considered thoroughly across many council meetings. The field was used all year round by the primary school which had no green space of its own. A full public meeting was held to listen to residents’ views. The majority agreed to dog walkers being allowed to use the field providing the dogs stayed on leads, to help safeguard residents, children and visitors. The Parish Council support the presented PSPO to maintain the dog on leads requirements.