A children’s playground has been forced to shut on Sundays and bank holidays due to dogs defecating in it.
Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust, which runs the Meriden Community Centre Playground, made the decision at the start of May after ongoing problems.
The Watford Observer was told that due to short staffing, the centre and playground in Meriden Park is not monitored on Sundays or bank holidays, meaning no one is available to prevent dog owners entering the area.
It came to light after several parents voiced frustration at visiting over the bank holiday weekend only to find it shut.
Prior to the closure, on the days when the playground was not supervised, dogs were being brought into the space and defecating, the trust claimed.
To protect children and prevent staff from having to clear up the mess, a decision was made to close the park until it could be monitored.
Graham Reece, of Garsmouth Way, described the trust’s reasons for closing as “rubbish”.
The 63-year-old added: “There is no one to monitor the children’s play area at the other end – that’s always open.
“I’ve never seen any dogs pooing or causing trouble in there.”
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Mr Reece went to the community centre playground on Sunday, May 28, with his friend and their grandchildren only to find it locked.
He said: “It was a hot day, and we chose that playground because it has shady spots and a seating area.”
Meriden councillor Amanda Grimston is also disappointed with the trust’s move.
She said: “The trust has got CCTV. Maybe they should look at who the offenders are, work with the local councillors and bring them to boot.”
Cllr Grimston claimed that she had not heard of the closures until the Watford Observer informed her yesterday (June 1).
She added: “I think it is disgusting people are taking dogs into the playground and even more disgusting the dogs are defecating and not clearing it up.”
The trust has confirmed the playground will be open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 10pm and Saturdays from 8.30pm to 5pm.
It added that if someone books the centre for use on Sundays or bank holidays the playground might be open.
The trust chose not to responsd to Cllr Grimston’s comments.
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