Stanpit Marsh Management Plan

I am getting mail from concerned dog owners/walkers about the review of the dog policy for the SSSI at Stanpit Marsh. I have told each and everyone that before any bye law or dog control order can be applied or altered a period of public consultation is mandatory. This will happen following the application hearing at Community Services Committee, when this will be I have no information as yet but it will be included in this blog.That period of consultation will enable aggrieved persons to express their concerns specifically about this measure which received such overwhelming support from over 200 contributors during the consultation period for the overall management plan. The claim that dog walkers/owners had no representation on the advisory committee or that they had no voice cannot be supported as residents associations and FOSM were deeply involved in the process. Further, the consultation process was well publicised and copies sent to all contributory organisations. The plan was over two years in the making and contributors included all interested organisations and those that showed interest were encouraged to make their voices heard.I am sorry that the biggest complainants appear to be suggesting that they were excluded from contribution and that there was an undercurrent of a weird conspiracy. This I absolutely reject, the whole process was transparent and followed Council protocol completely. I might add that what I also detect is an attitude that this SSSI is regarded by some as something/ somewhere to be used not treasured with an almost disregard and disinterest in the careful and necessary husbandry and partnership with the natural flora and fauna. I would be likely to think differently if the four residents who have written to me had been interested enough to contribute to the first consultation or volunteer for helper status on the Marsh so that they could see first hand the problems being experienced by the Marsh wardens.I will be very happy to take on board all the comments made so far and hope that sufficient interest will be shown by residents by contibuting to the consultation process as and when it occurs.