Qualities to be admired - beware if you visit The Gill with an out of control dog

It's rare to find someone in Ulverston that when they are annoyed about an issue put so much effort into dealing with it as Gill Resident, Paul Holmes.

Many of us in The Gill have given up over the issue of dog mess. We patiently clear it up when others that avoid detection create this absolute nuisance which is much more being a health hazard as well.

From the Evening Mail Article, Paul clearly put a very powerful case. He had researched the way other communities across the country had used Bye Laws to deal with the problem.

It seems that the Town Council was shocked by the thoroughness and power of his arguments and evidence. This included reports that tourists and others from outside the immediate area remark about the amount of mess that is on the path that is the beginning of the Cumbria Way.

What is even more serious is that several people or their dogs, both local and from away have been bitten by dogs that are out of control. One of these dog owners responded fiercely recently when criticised about the behaviour of her dog and refuses to keep it on a lead so that there have been several severe injuries to other dogs.

So fed up are the people here in The Gill that about ten people have signed a statement that they will prosecute  even first time offenders if they catch them. One of them even goes around with a camera attempting to catch an offending dog and their owner 'in the act' so watch out.

Paul Homes has done a great job so far and we're so pleased that he's not going to let the matter rest even now. He is to be found using every minute he can spare doing a survey and recording every incident in Gill Banks so that he has a strong case for futher action from local authorities.

It's very satisfying that Cllr Colin Hodgson, our local councillor, has taken on board the issue and will be leading a dicussion at the next council meeting.

Quote from the paper:

“It is an issue we should take on.

“We have a responsibility as we have taken over the lease (of The Gill).

“We should put it on the agenda for the next meeting.”

Well done and thankyou Paul Holmes; we're very much behind you on every aspect of what you say.