This is a comment on the too large a number of dogs killed as a result of getting through holes in the boundary fence. The boundary fence in question belongs to Network Rail and runs alongside Beckenham Place Park which is in the London Borough of Lewisham in South London. Beckenham Place Park borders the London Borough of Bromley and is used regularly by residents of both boroughs.
Since the closure of the golf course, it has become a favourite open space for dog walkers, families and joggers. Previously non-golfers would walk and run through the woods – enjoying massed bluebells in May. Or keep to paths through the golf course and to the sports field which lies across the railway bridge from the golf course.
There have been numerous incidents of dogs finding holes in the boundary fencing and ending up on the railway embankment and railway cutting. This is a fairly busy stretch of suburban railway with frequent trains. If the dog cannot easily find the way back through to their owner they can easily panic and run in all directions. including onto the railway line.
Result to date, late July 2018 : –
some of the dogs returned to their owners frantic calling
a few were rescued by the owner risking themselves by gaining access onto the railway embankment and railway line to recover their dog
some of the dogs have been injured
and yes, some dogs have been killed
Network Rail and Lewisham Council are not taking the concerns of dog owners, dog walkers, parents and other concerned park users seriously.
Network Rail claim to have not been able to find any holes. Yet dogs are still getting through the boundary fencing.
So a Petition of protest to Network Rail about the amount of dogs killed on their tracks at Beckenham Place Park has been generated by Paul Beckwith, and posted onto various Facebook groups, with encouragement to sign and share. The link is below.
I’ve signed
My comment was too long to fit on the petition, so I only included a short version (the last paragraph). My full comment I share here: –
If Network Rail and Lewisham Council employees are unable to locate the holes, which are patently in existence as dogs are still accessing the railway line, then perhaps they need some dog-owners and dog walkers to accompany them to point out the locations.
Worst case scenario – dog goes through hole in fence; children follow in order to rescue dog; parent realises and follows them onto railway line. Approaching train is unable to stop.
Result – fatalities and life-changing injuries; trauma for any survivors, their family and friends, the train driver and the passengers (although these latter to a lesser degree)
Boundaries to railway fences are a priority and should be maintained correctly. Lack of funding is not an acceptable reason; re-assign budgets if necessary. You cannot re-align your responsibilities.
You do not have to live in Beckenham, Bromley or Lewisham to sign. You do not even need to live in Croydon or West Wickham and walk in Beckenham Place Park to sign. You could just be a person who considers that responsibility for maintaining boundaries adjoining railway lines is important.
Petition link: –
marieowyn 