People are being asked to stop walking their dogs on Bath Racecourse, despite it being an important space for many.
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Perched above the city in Lansdown, Bath Racecourse offers spectacular views.
When races aren’t scheduled, it is a favourite spot for dog walkers, with many making use of the open space in the middle of the course.
For one dog walker fostering a “difficult” dog, the open ground is invaluable as a place to take it for walks.
But he said that he and other walkers are now being asked by racecourse staff to stop using the area as they wanted to use it for grazing sheep while races are not taking place.
The dog walker said: “Bathonians have walked across the Bath Racecourse grounds for years, going back decades. The centre of the course is perhaps the last open space left near Bath where anyone can wander.
“Whilst everyone knows it’s owned, there have never been issues of access. Indeed the numbers of people walking means anyone with malicious intent would be seen and noted.
“I have got a rescue dog which is a bit difficult to look after. It needs proper space without people. So the racecourse is perfect really.”
Although he said the person who spoke to him was understanding, he believes Bath Racecourse should engage with the community on the plans.
He suggested dog walkers could pay a yearly subscription to keep using the space which would raise more money than sheep grazing.
A spokesperson for Bath Racecourse said: “The footpaths are clearly signposted around the perimeter of the race course. So we would request that dog walkers stick to the footpaths.
“With our racing surface and the issues we have had, we would just request people stick to the footpaths. It’s private land in the middle of the course.”
Manda Rigby, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “There is no public right of way across the centre of Bath Racecourse, however we are currently working to improve the public footpaths that go around the edge of the course with better signage and also by installing matting on areas that have become particularly muddy.”
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
