AS a responsible dog owner, I am appalled by the actions of some of our low level politicians in proposing to ban dogs off leads in Hinchingbrooke Country Park (and similar parks). I exercise my dog daily in Hinchingbrooke Country Park, meaning I give h

AS a responsible dog owner, I am appalled by the actions of some of our low level politicians in proposing to ban dogs off leads in Hinchingbrooke Country Park (and similar parks).

I exercise my dog daily in Hinchingbrooke Country Park, meaning I give him a very good run and a swim, exercise that is not a euphemism for little parcels that irresponsible owners leave elsewhere. There are very few places in this area left for dogs to get proper exercise, so well done Councillor Longford (The Hunts Post, May 2) for standing up against this sneaky move.

It is interesting that this matter got insufficient publicity prior to the HDC elections on May 3 because we could have responsibly considered the actions of those in favour of such a ban prior to marking our 'X'. I daresay that, as a responsible newspaper, you will enable us to identify the respective positions of councillors next time it comes up for debate. We can then take the appropriate democratic action next time, using our long memories.

One final point is that I would suggest that a pedant on HDC should define 'dog kept on a lead' because I know of least one well-behaved dog that carries his lead in his mouth, the owner being about 20 yards away.

It is about time those on HDC spent their time on something useful rather than wasting time creating 'nanny state orders'.

GORDON LOGAN, Parkway, Huntingdon

* IT is disgraceful that the district council is planning to extend dog control orders across the district.

I have lived in St Neots for 22 years and have walked my dogs in the Riverside Park daily. I pay my Council Tax, and believe that my family and I have a right to use the public parks provided. We are lucky to have them.

My family includes my dogs, which require daily exercise. It is impossible for them to get this exercise on the lead, they need to run.

Dogs off the lead, exercised by responsible dog owners, are not a problem. The vast majority of dog owners using the parks control their animals and pick up their dog mess.

I suggest that instead of arguing about unreasonable laws, which will ultimately be ignored anyway, the council occupies itself with enforcing laws that already exist. Laws that include "No dog fouling" and "No litter dropping".

Parts of the park are covered by CCTV. Why do we never hear of any prosecutions for the irresponsible minority that let their dogs foul these beautiful common areas? Why can we not put some effort into enforcing litter laws instead of spending taxpayers' money picking up litter that is left behind on a daily basis?

KAREN JAMES, Eaton Ford