'We want to end daily dog fights and deer chases in beauty spot'

Plus: New venue opens in former cinema

Good morning and welcome to your Monday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s newsletter, the dog issues which have prompted plans for an exercise field, a historic cinema space has re-opened and much more.

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Dog fights and deer chases prompt plans for field

Daily dog fights, runaway pets chasing deer, and owners trespassing on to farmland have prompted a dog training company to submit plans for a secure, private dog exercise field near Portland Park.

FTK9 Ltd, which operates a training centre next to the site off Lindleys Lane in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, has applied to Ashfield District Council to formally convert two acres of farmland into a fenced, bookable field for controlled dog exercise.

The move follows repeated incidents involving out-of-control dogs in and around Portland Park — including dogs chasing horses, bolting on to roads, and disrupting on-lead training sessions by bursting through hedges from public paths.

In its application, FTK9 Ltd said: “The aim is to create a safe, hazard free and secure space for dogs to be exercised under full control without the risks commonly encountered in public parks and especially Portland Park where this site is located: dog fights caused by lack of control/recall, dogs running into roads, dogs chasing wildlife, dogs pursuing horses, and owners losing control due to health or mobility reasons.”

The company says the privately-owned field has seen an average of 14 unauthorised dog walkers a day over the last two years — with one day seeing as many as 34.

The landowner has regularly asked people to leave.

FTK9, which has more than a decade of experience managing secure dog fields in other districts, says the site would benefit dog welfare — particularly for reactive, elderly and rescue dogs — while also helping to protect wildlife and reduce trespassing on local farmland.

If approved, the field would be available for private hire from 7am to 9pm daily.

A decision is due on the application by 22 July.

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New venue opens in former cinema

A historic cinema building has been transformed into a vibrant event space with the opening of Jamie's Lounge.