PSPO 'unenforceable' and cause of each Sheep Death should be investigated says local COUNCILLOR

Message from Cllr Christine Robinson (Lab) East Saltdean Ward, Telscombe Town Council regarding proposals to have a Public Space Protection Order on Telscombe Tye.

This PSPO intends to bring in certain limitations upon dog walkers.

​I think the primary issue here is that the Town Council have jumped to a solution without better understanding of the problem. It has been made clear to me that the residents have real concerns over the welfare and management of the community flock and as the Town Council are responsible for them residents demand, quite rightly, better transparency and a solution that fits all the community’s use of the Tye.

It’s important that we choose a solution that actually fits our needs and takes in to account the welfare of the community flock as well as resident's dogs and as a dog owner I am surprised to see that little consideration has been given to their welfare in the current proposal.
 
The proposed PSPO is unenforceable and will only affect residents that choose to follow it whilst providing no protection for the sheep. What we should be doing is investigating and understanding the cause of each sheep death and choosing a solution that makes financial sense for the town, protects the resident’s access to the Tye and improves animal welfare. It is clear already that resident support is not there for a PSPO and there must be possible alternatives so both sides can live in harmony. Why not approach neighbouring Brighton & Hove City Council to look at how they manage this issue with their flock on the various sites on the down land?