PLAY areas are for kids, not canines, says an angry South Tyneside councillor.
Shocked Coun George Elsom spoke out after seeing a man allowing his dog to use the children’s facilities in Cleadon Recreational Park in South Shields, this week.
The Real Independent representative says the adult was encouraging his pet to jump up and bite the leather swinging straps.
Coun Elsom said: “There are numerous signs saying dogs aren’t allowed in the children’s area, but this man had complete disregard for them.
“I find it incredible he thought it was fine for his pet to come in and use the equipment.
“If the animal did manage to jump up and bite the straps, then I am sure it would have left plenty of teeth marks behind.”
The play area, which is for kids up to the age of nine, opened in 2011 after the Friends of Cleadon Park group was awarded a £50,000 grant from the Government’s Playbuilder programme.
Coun Elsom says he told the man to move on, but was met with an angry response.
He said: “The man started complaining and said there’s other things to worry about, like people hanging about and drinking in the park.
“But I don’t think that’s the point, this area is meant for children.
“They shouldn’t have to play with things that have been used by animals, all sorts of germs could be passed on.”
He added: “This is what’s wrong with today’s society – many people can think they can simply do as they wish. ”
Twitter: @shieldsgazvez