05 Dec 2024
More than 500 people have signed a petition calling for full fencing around a local park to increase safety for pets.
It was set up by Sami Goldbrom after the death of beloved family pet Larry outside Greenwood Park in Chiswell Green.
Sami said: “Larry, engrossed in his natural instinct to chase, ran onto the adjoining A405, a busy highway with vehicles speeding at 70mph, where he was hit by a car.
“Like many other pets, Larry was freely running in the park, unencumbered by fences. However, the park’s layout only places fencing near the football fields, leaving a large area open to the risk of dogs running out onto the highway.
“There is a significant risk of a serious car crash and injury to car passengers as a result of a dog going onto the busy road. Why must we wait for incident and injury before preventative action is taken?”
The area near the playground and the adjacent field where the football pitches are already have a fence adjacent to the A405.
However, the fields from that point down to the roundabout and along the M10 have very limited fencing, if any at all.
The area where Larry was hit has only around 5m between the path and the busy road.
Sami, who has four daughters, elaborated: “I have heard from multiple supporters of the petition who have stated that they have had instances where their dog has gone onto the dual carriageway but thankfully not been struck by a vehicle.
“Given the speeds vehicles travel along these roads, it is only a matter of time until there is a serious accident with possible injury, or worse, with the only real solution being fencing so that pets cannot access the road. There is also a risk to children, especially where parents may not be aware that there is no fencing.
“Sadly Larry wasn’t the first pet to be killed like this and I have emails from our councillors saying that he is unlikely to be the last – this for me shows a culture of negligence to the risk from the council. Whilst I am sympathetic to council budgets, the park is used extensively by the local community and the council should prioritise this under health and safety which they are a responsible body.
“With the successful planning applications in the area, these roads are likely to see a significant increase in traffic on these roads, thereby increasing the likelihood of further accidents.
“As a health and safety professional, and blue light responder, this risk can and should be eliminated before there is further loss of life, injury and subsequent litigation. The costs of fencing could be attributed to the S106 costs paid by developers and should be considered as a cost-saving to any costs involved in an accident.
Lorna Evans, a supporter of Sami’s Change.org petition, said: “My dog Lola has got through the fence before, but fortunately stopped before she reached the A414 – really frightening at the time. So sorry to hear about Larry – improvements are seriously needed.”
Stephanie Chorlton said: “I walk our dog Ned here most days and have seen the gaps in the fencing, which becomes more exposed in the winter months when the leafy foliage falls away.
“It’s a no-brainer to put up additional fencing if it will prevent further accidents on the A405 and reduce potential loss of human and doggy life. There’s enough road traffic incidents on that stretch of road as it is! I just hope the local authorities take heed and act!”
Jacqueline Jones said: “I always walk my dogs there and have done so for several years. I have known friends who have lost their dogs on the busy road. I hope something will be done about it and soon.”
Sami added: “It is too late for Larry, but by making this change, we can prevent other heart-wrenching incidents like Larry’s from happening. It is time to prioritise the safety of every pet visiting Greenwood Park. Let’s make this park a secure environment for our furry friends to play without the imminent threat of vehicular traffic. Please sign the petition to urge park authorities to install appropriate fencing around Greenwood Park.”
To sign the petition, visit Change.org/GreenwoodParkFencing
