DOG walkers are planning to create their own private park to walk their pets, claiming it is becoming unsafe elsewhere.

The South East Essex Dog Owners group wants to create the gated park on an empty piece of land close to the Carpenters Arms roundabout in Rayleigh.

These type of parks have proved popular in America, but the dog group claims they are now needed here due to the threats they face in public parks.

Stephen Staddon, 44, of Burrows Way, Rayleigh, who has come up with the idea, now needs planning permission from Rochford District Council to make it happen.

He said: “The biggest problem is people feeling intimidated in some of the parks.

“There have been incidents of people laying out poison on the grass for dogs or people leaving sausages with nails in, which is a concern for dog owners.

“People are getting nervous about letting their dogs roam free, there is public demand for a dog park.

“The site is about one acre and would provide a safe environment for both dogs and their owners – particularly during those dark winter evenings.”

Mr Staddon said the dog park would have a membership system to control who used the facilities, which would include a fully-secure and lit area, provisions for dog waste, drinking points for the dogs, a self-service wash area with dog shampoo and disposable towels, various canine attractions, a facility offering snacks and refreshments and picnic tables and benches.

Dog owner Kim Comerford, 47, of Shoebury, said: “We just want a safe place for our dogs to play.

The dog park is a great idea.”

Lee Paris, campaigns officer at the Dogs Trust, said: “These types of parks are designed to provide a dedicated environment for dogs to socialise in, allowing dogs to enjoy some offlead activity and helping to ensure they are getting the daily exercise they need in a controlled space.

“There is no guarantee that every dog will behave suitably when given the chance to walk off-lead.

“Many dog owners would prefer to walk their dog safely and on-lead in a public park than risk exposing them to potentially aggressive dogs in a confined space.”

HUNDREDS of dog owners have been talking about the dog park idea and seem very excited.

Sharon Reynolds, from Rayleigh, said: “I think it would be great if there was a well-run facility where social dogs could socialise in a safe environment.

“I would also like to see an area where antisocial dogs could be walked on lead, somewhere where the owners could have confidence that there would not be any off-lead dogs.”

Wendy Gaskin, 50, from HockIey, said: “I think it’s a great idea as long as costs are low and its suitably managed.”

Lisa Heathcote, 49, from Westcliff, said: “I have a three-yearold golden doodle and belong to some dog walking groups thatmeet up at weekends for packwalks.

“I love the idea of a dog park and also we need bit of beach we can use in the summer.”

Jenny White, 40, from Leigh, said: “I think it is a fabulous idea, I have often wondered why there isn’t anything like this in the area, as for puppies and dogs without great recall, this would be ideal.

“My small dog had a bad experience over at Belfairs is now very wary of big dogs, so if they go through with the idea of a separate small dog area, that would be even better, and that is what appeals to me the most.

“I love the idea of somewhere to wash the dogs down too, as that will avoid the car getting filthy and a little coffee shop would be bonus.”

Terry Steward, 56, from Basildon, said: “This could improve dog walking on so many aspects. With safety, as I imagine it will be monitored and lit-up, the dogs wouldn’t get so filthy and for myself, this may encourage me to turn out in the winter months and get some exercise.

 "For myself, this may encourage me to turn out in the winter months and get some exercise."