Community

Blyth Dog Park: Residents Back the Idea, but No Council Park Yet

Four in five people who answered Blyth Town Council's consultation support an enclosed dog park, but the council will first check whether private facilities already meet the need.

Blyth.live·7 October 2026

If you have been hoping for a secure, fenced space in Blyth to let your dog off the lead, the town council has heard you, but a council-run dog park is not on the way just yet. On 22 September Blyth Town Council published the results of its enclosed dog park consultation and agreed what happens next.

The consultation itself is now closed. It ran from 26 June to 16 August 2026, so there is no form to fill in at the moment.

What residents said

The council received 263 responses through its residents' newsletter and social media. The headline figures:

80.6% supported an enclosed dog park, with 14.8% against
around 70% said they would be likely to use one
63.5% felt there was not enough safe off-lead space locally
54% said they had had problems while exercising their dog, from other dogs' behaviour and safety to fouling and antisocial behaviour
almost 45% would be willing to pay for exclusive use

People also wanted security, cleanliness, lighting, parking, accessibility and the option to book private sessions. The locations suggested most often were the South Beach fields, Ridley Park and Meggie's Burn.

What the council decided

Councillors stressed that strong public interest does not on its own prove that a council-funded facility is needed or would be good value for local taxpayers, and there is currently no budget for one. Instead, officers will look at what is already available privately, including the secure dog park at Briardale House, which can be booked for an hour's sole use for a small charge, and at private facilities being planned locally. They will then judge whether there is a genuine unmet need, weighing up capacity, access, cost and availability.

Only if that review finds a gap will the council look at possible sites, costs and outside funding. When the idea was first proposed, the council estimated that a park would cost at least £25,000 to create.

Best for: Read the council's update on the dog park consultation results. Questions can go to Blyth Town Council on 01670 361668.

In the meantime, our dog-friendly Blyth guide covers the town's beach rules, walks and dog-friendly places to stop.

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