ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO BARNES COMMON DOG WATCH

Written by SUSAN KRAMER MP on Mon 1st Oct 2007

Local police found a warm response to their scheme to set up a "dog watch" for Barnes Common. Dog walkers and others who regularly use Barnes Common are being asked to join this variation on Neighbourhood Watch.

The members of the scheme are asked to report anything suspicious or of concern. This could be graffiti, strange behaviour or an unstable tree.

One benefit for dog owners is a network to watch for their pet if the animal goes missing.

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, who joined the first recruiting morning said: "This is such a sensible idea. Nearly 30 people signed up in less than an hour and will provide a network of eyes and ears to watch out for problems on Barnes Common.

"Local people and dog walkers who use the Common regularly will spot issues far more quickly than police safer neighbourhood teams who will still continue to patrol as usual but who will never have the same familiarity."

ENDS