Bolton dog park could be coming to BL2 postcode area

Laura Woodcock, who lives in Tonge Fold  but is originally from Breightmet, wants to run a new dog park in the BL2 postcode area.

The 31-year-old says that there is a lack of dog parks in that area of town, with the nearest being closer to Horwich and towards Bury.

Ms Woodcock does not have a location secured yet, but is in talks to secure one. 

Laura started a dog walking business this year (Image: Public)

She said: "I know I want it in BL2, because there are a couple Horwich way, a couple towards Tottington, Bury way, but none around here.

"I do my dog walking, started my business a couple of months back.

"I used to do dog photography, so we could have an event like that where people can bring their dogs, and anyone sponsoring could get their name up on the park itself.

"I want to make it a community thing where other small businesses can get involved as well." 

She believes the park would be beneficial for reactive dogs (Image: Public)

Laura works part-time in admin and part-time walking dogs. 

She continued: "I know that there is a demand for it, other dog parks around the area are quite fully booked.

"Six dogs is the maximum you're allowed on any field due to insurance reasons, but if you're only accommodating one individual per booking, there are countless dog walkers around.

"I am a dog walker, I could pick up the dog and bring it to the field during an empty slot and use it for the dog walking side of the business."

Laura added: "When I was growing up, my dog was very reactive, we couldn't really take him to the park. It was not just him, it was us as well, we felt nervous taking him to the park.

On dog walking duty (Image: Public)

"We took precautions such as a muzzle, but the thing was he was not happy around other dogs and he was nervous, we were nervous, it was not good for anyone. 

"I walk a couple of reactive dogs who get anxious on walks, but that wellbeing not only for dogs but for their owners, being in a secure place where your dog can run free for an hour, it is really beneficial for dog owners.

"It benefits everyone all round." 

Laura is Crowdfunding in order to open the dog park, money which she plans to use to buy fencing and equipment for visiting pooches. 

Any donors will be entitled to uses of the field, for example a £10 donation gains one session and a free dog bandana. 

To donate to Laura's Crowdfunder, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/project-dog-park

Updates will be posted on her dog walking Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094464500945