My name is Joshua Murphy, and I am a local resident of Syston. I frequently use Deville Park for dog walking. Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred recently when my dog chased her ball out of the park and was subsequently hit by a vehicle. Due to the severity of her injuries, she had to be put down. This is not an isolated incident, and I fear that similar accidents may occur in the future. Therefore, I strongly believe that it is time to implement measures to enhance the security and safety of Deville Park.

Deville Park holds immense value for our community, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play, explore, and connect with nature. Additionally, it serves as a popular spot for dog owners to exercise and socialize their pets. However, the absence of gates poses significant risks and concerns for the safety of both dogs and children.

Here are some key reasons why gates should be installed at Deville Park:

1. Dog Safety: By installing gates, we can create a secure and enclosed space for dogs to roam freely without the risk of them wandering off or coming into contact with potentially dangerous situations, such as busy roads or aggressive animals. This will provide dog owners with peace of mind and promote responsible pet ownership within our community.

2. Child Safety: The installation of gates will serve as a protective barrier, preventing young children from accidentally wandering out of the park and into potential hazards. It will also discourage unauthorized individuals from entering the park, reducing the risk of any untoward incidents and ensuring a safe environment for children to enjoy their playtime.

3. Peaceful Coexistence: Deville Park is a shared space for both dog owners and families with children. By installing gates, we can create designated areas within the park for dogs to play and interact, while also providing separate spaces for children to engage in recreational activities. This will foster a harmonious coexistence between these two important user groups.

4. Community Engagement: The installation of gates will encourage more responsible use of the park by promoting awareness and accountability among dog owners and parents. It will provide an opportunity to educate the community about the importance of safety and respectful behavior within the park premises.

We, the undersigned residents of syston and Leicester come together to request your urgent attention to our concerns and to support our request for the installation of gates at Deville Park. The safety and well-being of our dogs and children are of paramount importance, and we believe that this measure will significantly contribute to creating a secure and enjoyable park environment for all.