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Friday, July 26, 2019
New dog park in the district allows pets to roam safely BY KELLY WICKHAM kelly.wickham@sussexpost.co.uk A NEW park for dogs has been opened in the district to allow for safe dog walking and the protection of wildlife. Chichester Secure Dog Activity Park and Training Centre has been designed specifically to allow safe and secure dog walking in addition to promoting biodiversity in the area. In creating the park, the owners were adamant that the four-acre site, set within the Manhood Peninsula, worked in harmony with the nature reserve next to it. To that end, they consulted the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group for their recommendations on how to protect the natural species and habitat and encourage wildlife to flourish. More than 150 native trees and shrubs will be planted this year and a ten year biodiversity plan is being drawn up to ensure the area remains protected. Owners Andy and Jodie Sheppard decided to embark on the project following years of experience with their lovable yet unpredictable dog. "Dog walks used to be a nightmare and we often felt at a loss because there were no safe and attractive spaces which allowed us some freedom," said Jodie. Here, all dog owners, regardless of their dog’s temperament or recall ability, can experience the joy that off-
lead walking in a beautiful environment brings." The park has been carefully mapped out using a six-foot deer fence, avoiding areas where dogs could disturb the natural habitat. A meadow area will only be cut once a year to promote lizards, butterflies, bees and other insects. The result is a secure and attractive park which allows dogs to run and roam freely without damaging the wildlife. The dog park will have a separate flat grassed area for dog training classes with stimulating activities such as log piles for scent games. Puppy School Chichester dog trainer Louise Williamson said: "Having a secure dog park provides a safe place for dogs of all ages, be it puppies gaining confidence off-lead, dogs that need their own space, dogs without recall and it is a great place to meet friends in a private four acre field. "Chichester Secure Dog Park has plenty of interesting spaces to explore - nature trails, a training area and agility stations around the park. It is the perfect venue to be holding puppy and dog training classes and social walks." The ten year biodiversity plan includes growing out the pasture that has become poor grade, introducing more nesting sites and installing vital monitoring equipment to track the wildlife population. This will create future opportunities to increase and
protect the natural species. Andy added: "We are really excited about this project. Not only does it provide a need for our local dog owners, but it stands to make a hugely positive contribution towards protecting an
f The burnt out tumble dryer | Pic: West Sussex Fire & Rescue
Fire service highlights importance of testing home smoke alarms regularly A CHICHESTER family had just minutes to get out their home when their tumble dryer caught fire. Allie Sexton and her fiancé, Darren Muckle, and two children made it out safely after their smoke alarm alerted them that something wasn’t right. Now, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is calling on all residents to make sure they have a working smoke alarm and check it at least once a week to ensure they have the earliest possible warning of fire. Two crews from Chichester Fire Station were mobilised to tackle the fire at Oving Terrace in Chichester on Wednesday, July 10, shortly after 11.15pm. They found smoke issuing from the property and a fire in the family’s tumble dryer, which they extinguished using one high pressure hose reel, a covering jet and a safety jet. They also used two
sets of breathing apparatus, and removed the tumble dryer from the property to ventilate it. The family have since been moved to alternative accommodation. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the fire service is urging residents to check their appliances to ensure they have not been recalled. Allie said: “Our smoke alarm saved our lives, because if that hadn't gone off it could have been a lot worse. When we realised the tumble dryer was on fire my concern was for my family and getting everyone out of the house. “This could happen to anyone. You think it's not going to happen, but it can happen to you in a flash." For more information visit: westsussex.gov.uk/ fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-andrescue-service/home-fire-safety/electrical-andheating-appliance-safety-advice/
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area of outstanding natural beauty." Chichester Secure Dog Activity Park and Training Centre can be hired exclusively for 50 minutes for a flat fee of £10. Bookings can be made online by visiting: chichestersecuredog.co.uk
f The new dog park is a safe environment
News 5
` Police reports DURING the week from Monday, July 8, to Sunday, July 14, numerous reports were made to police, which included: In Dempsey Road, Chichester, on Wednesday, July 10, a Yamaha MT07 motorbike was stolen from outside a property. Serial 0891 10/7. In Grove Road, Chichester, overnight into July 11, a vehicle was broken into. Serial 0474 11/7 On Thursday, July 11, a garden outhouse was broken into in Friary Lane, Chichester. The suspect gained entry to the garden and then broke into the building. A computer was stolen from the location. Serial 1278 11/7. In Old Park Lane, Chichester, also on Thursday, a vehicle was broken into while parked in a layby. Cash, bank cards and a driving licence was stolen from the vehicle. Serial 1336 11/7. Also on Thursday, a vehicle in Downs Road, West Stoke, was broken into and a purse stolen, including cash and bank cards. Serial 0927 11/7. In Smugglers Lane, Bosham, on Friday, July 12, a vehicle was broken into and a dashcam stolen. Serial 0084 12/7. Also on Friday, police received a report of a garage burglary in Downs Road, West Stoke. Serial 0931 12/7. In Williams Road, Bosham, on Sunday, July 14, police received a report of a flat being broken into and a PlayStation was taken. Serial 0089 14/7. Also on Sunday, a van at The Close, Boxgrove, was broken into and work tools stolen. Serial 0422 14/7.