It has come to the attention of the inhabitants of Woodstock and its surrounding area that the giving of free dog treats to passing dogs at Blenheim's gate will no longer take place.

This may seem like a rather vapid, or not particularly urgent statement during the current political climate, various global catastrophes and the abhorrent cost of living emergencies within the UK.

However to many of us, this simple action has become an uplifting way to connect with our every day surroundings, a relatively innocuous yet kind action on a daily walk. Some could even call it a random act of kindness and when could we all need that anymore!

The dog treats are, and have always been donated to the Blenheim gate by the community of Woodstock. This means that the corporation of Blenheim are at no loss over this simple and kind daily action that many of us have come to enjoy.

Apparently this new curtailing of the employees of Blenheim giving the dog treats is due to mice and or slugs reaching the dog biscuits. I will be happy to donate a seal proof box to the gate.

I believe that the news that Blenheim will no longer do this is more symbolic of Blenheim becoming a mega corporation and the world feels like a colder, less connected place without that lovely, random act of kindness.

Please do sign if you agree.