"DOG FINE NOT FINE" MAKES THE TELLY

27-02-2008

The Stirrer’s campaign to get justice for a Black Country man fined for walking his dog in a graveyard - even though there were no warning signs - has been picked up by Midlands Today. Paul Perrins, the man at the centre of the controversy, has challenged Sandwell Council to come and see the site for himself.

As we revealed on Monday, Paul was handed the £75 “on the spot” penalty for strolling with his boxer Molly in Wood Green cemetery in Wednesbury (see link here).

Yesterday, we published photos showing that Sandwell Council appeared to be failing in its statutory duty to post notices about the restriction, arguably making the fine invalid (see link here)

The Council’s response via cabinet member Derek Rowley was – in essence – “see you in court” – which brought a furious response from Paul, who told us, “I am very angry about what the council have said and would like to meet Derek Rowley myself and show him the entrance down Brunswick Park Road.

“He said it has been widely publicised. Well I didn't see it. And what happens if a non-resident of Sandwell whilst visiting or on business took there dog for a walk down the cemetery through that entrance and didn’t know it was a dog exclusion zone?”

The Stirrer will happily broker a meeting with Paul if Derek Rowley would like to accept his challenge to visit the area.

Wednesbury North councillor Elaine Costigan who’s backing Paul said that as she was filming with the BBC crew today, more innocent dog walkers were getting fined.

She says that when she made a test call to Sandwell Council this morning, officers told her dogs could be walked anywhere as long as they are on a lead – which isn’t true. In fact, Paul Perrins’ pooch was on a lead in the graveyard.

We’ve also checked out Sandwell’s website to see if the areas subject to dog exclusion zones are definitively and clearly listed (http://www.laws.sandwell.gov.uk/ccm/portal/).

If they are, we can’t see them.

Should Sandwell Council just say admit it’s in the wrong and say sorry to Paul? Leave a comment on the Message Board.