Rival groups of residents are lobbying the council over the scrapping of a dog-free zone in Queen’s Park, Brighton.
Hundreds of people have signed two opposing e-petitions about the issue.
One petition, currently signed by 261 residents, calls for the re-instatement of a dog ban on the southern section of the park, which was set up in the 1970s but was scrapped last January. It has been backed by community group Friends of Queen’s Park.
It reads: “Permitting dogs free access to the southern lawns threatens the health and enjoyment of users of this popular space and undermines the value of the lake as a habitat for birds.
“We believe that the historic ‘dog friendly’ area of the northern lawn is an adequate and convivial space for those wishing to exercise their dogs.”
The rival petition, signed by 54 people so far, calls on Brighton and Hove City Council not to reinstate the ban, claiming it is unnecessary and dangerous.
It reads: “The historic ‘dog friendly’ area in the park is small and its proximity to the road has caused a number of road accidents in which some dogs have been fatally injured. This also constitutes a danger to drivers and their passengers.”
Both petitions can be signed until July 14 and will be presented to the council’s leadership shortly afterwards.
