Largs woman asks council to give her dog park plans a chance

Laura Crumlish, who has two dogs Harley and Jaxon, has been working on the idea of Largs Dog Park for more than two years and has been exploring various sites around the town.

The Largs resident had previously found the ideal space at a disused area of the tennis courts in Douglas Park, but the area was split between the tennis club and a local growing group following a public vote and decision by elected officials at a North Ayrshire Council meeting.

But a year later and the tennis courts remain abandoned - and now Laura is calling on North Ayrshire Council to give her a chance instead.

Laura is still fighting to open a dog park in Largs (Image: Newsquest)

The 24-year-old told the News: "It has been a year down the line and the courts have been a riot. They haven't been touched.

"I walk my dogs in that area quite frequently and I have had people messaging me to find out the update on these courts.

"They are even worse off looking than when I started this fight.

"I feel like because I am young I am getting pushed out even though I have had tremendous backing for my idea from the local community and beyond.

"They have had the courts for over a year and nothing has been done. Why can't they take a chance on me and see what I can achieve?"

READ MORE: Update provided on exciting dog park plan for Largs

The dog park plan has previously received the backing of West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene, who has publicly shared his love of dogs before. 

And several surveys have been undertaken by the pair as they look to find out what local dog owners want and need from a potential facility.

The mum-of-one added: "The town desperately needs a dog park and I wish people could see that. The park could bring jobs to the town and give it a face for young people in the area.

"Given the current climate, it is hard for young people to get on the job ladder and build their career.

"I am a young person who wants to build something that would not only greatly benefit the community, but also my family.

"It would be so successful in Largs, but I feel it is something that people just don't want. I am not giving up this fight as I am determined to make this happen.

"Dogs deserve a safe space for them to play and walk and I will make sure that happens."

To keep up to date join the Largs Dog Park page on Facebook.

A spokesperson from North Ayrshire Council said: “Through the community engagement process, members of the community were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite projects.

“The result of this vote was that the area available should be shared between Largs Tennis Club and a group looking to establish a garden with allotments. The proposal was presented to council and it was agreed that both groups could progress with a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) application.

“The site in question is Common Good land, which the council manages for the people of Largs. Any material change to that responsibility requires court authority, which is a time-consuming process, as are the prospective CAT applications, which are regulated by legislation.

“Dialogue is ongoing with both groups, as the council continues to support the CAT applicants with the required processes.

“The timescale for this is outwith the council’s control and the control of the two groups involved.

“We have supported Laura in exploring other opportunities, and this is ongoing.”