A dog owner and councillor have blasted a decision to remove a fence from around tennis courts in Watford park.

Councillorr Mo Mills and Susan Denny said the gated old tennis courts in Cassiobury Park provided the perfect area for owners of rescue dogs and childminders to prevent pets and children from running off. 

Mrs Denny claims her dog Kai sustained injuries to his chest and paw after running into one of the posts still protruding from the ground.

She said: "I was really upset because he’s a rescue dog and has had a tough time, but leaving the posts sticking out is very dangerous.

"Councillor Mills had a petition signed by about 100 people that we were going to submit to full council but we’re just the little people and they’ve already taken the decision and removed the fence.

"It was a great place to take a rescue dog and allow them to run around an enclosed space. 

"My grandson has dyspraxia and doesn’t have any spacial awareness, so I could take him in there to play and not have to worry about him running off. I know childminders that used it as well, it’s a shame."

Watford Borough Council said it returned the courts to the wider Cassiobury Park as the disused courts were becoming an eyesore.

The authority added: "The space now forms part of the park - which is there for all to use in a safe way.

"Whilst we encourage and welcome dogs in the park, we cannot provide fenced areas just for them."

The council called the injury to Kai 'regrettable' and signs have been erected around the area to warn park users to be wary.

Work began two weeks ago with the remaining posts to be removed this week. It is part of the borough council’s work to improve the park.