Carnoustie’s Shanwell Cemetery is turning into an unofficial dog walkers’ car park, it has been claimed.
The concerns emerged during a recent decision to tighten up rules around dogs in local graveyards.
Last month, councillors agreed a new policy which will require dogs to be on leads in cemeteries.
It followed complaints about fouling and irresponsible owners failing to control their pets.
During the communities committee discussion, Carnoustie councillor David Cheape flagged a specific concern about Shanwell Cemetery in the town.
“At the far end of the cemetery there’s a gate out onto the Shanwell walk towards the High School,” he said.
“It’s a very peaceful walk and a lot of people enjoy it, especially dog walkers.
“But some of them are choosing to drive into the cemetery and leave their car parked there while they then head off and walk their dogs.”
He added: “I absolutely agree with the idea of dogs being kept on a lead in cemeteries.
“But I don’t think folk should be using a cemetery as a car park for their own convenience.”
Parking near to Shanwell Cemetery
“The only vehicles you want in a cemetery would be the cortege, or the elderly or disabled who cannot walk to the graveside, I understand that entirely,” he added.
“But if folk are just parking up to use the path I don’t really think that’s appropriate.
“There’s actually parking for three or four cars at the old recycling yard about 150 metres away.
“They could probably park there, but for some reason people don’t want to walk that little bit extra.”
Council bosses say they will adopt a “soft touch” approach to the new policy.
The change came about because of complaints about what officers highlighted was a small minority of owners.
The change sparked debate among readers of The Courier.
Our poll on whether there should be an outright ban on dogs in cemeteries saw 54 per cent support for such a move.
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