Please respect those new dog hours

Residents will remember that in response to a request from dog-owners back in the Autumn the Formosa Board agreed to extend the cut-off time for dogs to be exercised off the lead from 10 am to 10.30 am to take account of the darker mornings.

Unfortunately while most pet-owners have observed this new rule most scrupulously it seems three or four have been disregarding it to the extent that on occasion their dogs are to be seen roaming loose as late as 11 am.

This is unfair to all who wish to access the Garden mid-morning, possibly with young children who may be nervous around dogs, as well as to cat-owners who are obliged to keep their own pets indoors until the coast is clear.

The new rule was introduced strictly on the understanding that any breach would lead to its suspension. It is currently due to stay in force until the end of February but the Board will be meeting in the middle of next month when they will discuss taking further action if the matter is not resolved by then.

Please don't let the few spoil it for the many!