DESPITE a pond outside of Cheddon Fitzpaine being named after a dog, such canine friendliness doesn’t apply to the stream that runs besides it.

I was reprimanded by a ‘farm manager’ for allowing my dog to swim in the stream that runs under the public footpath.

Sadly, it would appear to be symptomatic of the restriction on access for dogs in that area which now applies to farm gates being covered in barbed wire, or chain locks or the numerous trespassing signs that have sprung up over the last two years.

It would appear that barring the public and their dogs to land that once granted public access is being carried out under the guise of conservation areas.

Sadly, and at the risk of being called a cynic, this appears to be more to do with future planning applications local people, their dogs and the natural environment.

PHILIP WANT
Taunton