Walsall park has swing seats removed because of dog attacks

The swings at Doe Bank Park in Pheasey, Walsall, have had their seats taken away due to 'continued damage caused by a dog'.

They are expected to be replaced this week at a cost of £70 but if a similar incident reoccurs then they will be taken off until the start of the school summer holidays

Matthew Payne, a community liaison officer for Walsall Council, said: "The swing seats within the play area were removed due to continued damage caused by a dog.

"We suspect it is the same owner who is allowing their dog to damage the seat on a regular basis.

"The seats will be replaced this week, however it costs approximately £70 to replace a seat and if the damage continues then the seats will remain off and put on at the start of the six weeks holidays.

"In the meantime we are working with the police and our public protection team to identify the dog owner and take appropriate action."

The news of the swing seats comes just over a month after the seat for the park's zip wire had to be removed because of a dog attack.

A statement from Friends of Doe Bank Park said at the time: "It is with great sadness that we have to report that the zip wire seat has yet again suffered an attack from a dog and has had to be removed.

"Last year the seat was replaced several times due to the same issue and Walsall Council made the decision to not replace the seat. The friends group made a request at the friends meeting in March this year for Walsall Council to again replace the seat. The council replaced the seat and it was soon attacked by a dog and replaced again.

"On Thursday April 24 the seat was again attacked by a dog and damaged. The council had no choice but to remove the seat and will not for the foreseeable future replace the seat due to the risk of it happening again and also the cost of replacement. If anyone has any information about the culprit can you please ring 101."