After years of friendly harmony Chelmsford City Council, and Cllr Nicolette Chambers in particular, has decided to ban dogs from Hylands Park Cafe.
This means that:
- Dog Walkers (families, by another name) are sent to an unpleasant area at the back of the cafe
- Lone Dog Walkers are now unable to keep their dogs with them safely to access the toilets (against their human rights to deny access to toilets in a public place) or have a break after their walk.
- Lone Dog Walkers are now instructed to tie their dogs up outside to use the facilities leaving them vulnerable to theft and attack.
No consultation has been undertaken, the decision has been taken by the Cabinet Member based on supposition rather than facts. For instance:
- Cllr Chambers claimed three waitresses have been bitten but staff report no such incidents.
- No risk assessment can be produced and this should have formed part of the decision.
- Cllr Chambers says dogs were howling, when most people who visit just report dogs sleeping under tables or just being with their families
- Cllr Chambers claims dogs cannot be in areas where food is consumed,this is not true.
- Cllr Chambers claims they make the place muddy, not realising that this applies to people with muddy boots too.
This has also affected the trade in the shops and cafe - although this may not be a problem in the summer, it's the dog walkers who keep the retailers going all through the winter as they sip hot chocolate in their thermals and dog coats.
We ask Chelmsford City Council to reverse this decision.
