I READ with approval that our wonderful council appointed 3GS to operate enforcement officers to control antisocial behaviour from a small number of people who spoil things for the rest of us. These officers will be able to issue on-the-spot fines for dog fouling, littering, and graffiti. Bravo, VoG council.

I was fortunate enough to retire earlier this year and think of myself as a responsible dog owner, cleaning up after my pets, don’t drop litter and my days with a spray can passed me by somehow.

One of my greatest pleasures is walking our dogs, Bronwen and Dilys in the Vale, particular favourites being Cosmeston and Porthkerry parks, my wife and I often say how lucky we are to have such great spaces, thanks to our wonderful council.

Do you feel a “but” coming?

It was with interest I found out about an initiative from the council, Paws in the Vale, aimed at improving and welcoming access to dog owners, signs have appeared all over Cosmeston, however the main lake and even more incredibly the start of the dog route are now designated as dog friendly, as long as the dogs are on a lead.

This rule will be enforced, with on the spot fines, by the company 3GS. How strange that this was not mentioned in the press release by our council when they said they were tackling littering, etc.

The tracks that are open to lead free use are not as good as the path around the main lake and if we have had a day or so of rain then these routes all become flooded and difficult to walk on.

Bronwen and Dilys should be allowed to roam free in the Vale, to meet and sniff the rest of the well behaved dogs, safe from the clutches of the council’s enforcement officers.

Now, where can I buy spray cans of paint?

David Noble

Archer Road

Penarth