People asked to stop walking dogs at Bath Racecourse

The view from Bath Racecourse makes it a popular spot for dog walkers, who have now been asked to stop using the area

People are being asked to stop walking their dogs on a racecourse, despite it being a popular space.

When races aren't scheduled, Bath Racecourse is a popular spot for dog walkers, with many making use of the open space in the middle of the course.

For one dog walker fostering a "difficult" dog, the open ground is "invaluable".

But he said that he and other walkers are now being asked by racecourse staff to stop using the area.

They added they wanted to use it for grazing sheep while races are not taking place.

The dog walker told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Bathonians have walked across the Bath Racecourse grounds for years, going back decades.

"The centre of the course is perhaps the last open space left near Bath where anyone can wander.

"Whilst everyone knows it's owned, there have never been issues of access. Indeed, the numbers of people walking means anyone with malicious intent would be seen and noted.

"I have got a rescue dog which is a bit difficult to look after. It needs proper space without people. So the racecourse is perfect really."

Although he said the person who spoke to him was understanding, he believes Bath Racecourse should engage with the community on the plans.

He suggested dog walkers could pay a yearly subscription to keep using the space which would raise more money than sheep grazing.

A spokesperson for Bath Racecourse said: "The footpaths are clearly signposted around the perimeter of the race course, so we would request that dog walkers stick to the footpaths.

"With our racing surface and the issues we have had we would just request people stick to the footpaths. It's private land in the middle of the course."