PLANS to create a dog agility area in Frome have been shelved after the idea failed to to receive “sufficient enthusiasm” from residents.

Frome Town Council had plans to create an area for dogs to practise agility training at the Old Showfield following requests from residents who said they wanted a safe area to train and socialise their dogs.

However the plans will now no longer go ahead as the results of an online survey found some residents of the Stonebridge estate voiced their opposition.

The council held an event about the plans in April alongside a pop-up dog agility activity which they said saw “significant interest”, but the council said it has listened to feedback from the survey and will no longer pursue the plans.

Two public consultation events were scheduled to take place this year, but both events were postponed due to poor weather.

Councillor Mark Dorrington said: “It’s a shame that the weather prevented us from speaking to dog owners in more detail about the dog area plans – twice!

“However, the consensus from our survey, particularly from some residents of the Stonebridge estate and from people who contacted us independently indicate that there aren’t enough people in favour of anything permanent for dogs in the back field.

“At Frome Town Council, we always consult people before we act and sometimes that means that we don’t act at all.

“Many thanks to Charis and the team at Charismatic Pets for all their help to date and to Dogs for Health for offering to run an event on October 12 – come and talk to them about the great work they do around Frome.”

Amy Wood from Frome charity Dogs For Health said: “We were looking forward to joining Frome Town Council last month to talk to dog walkers about our regular groups and activities, while council staff shared plans for the dog field.

“Sadly, the very wet weather meant the event had to be postponed, having already been delayed by very hot weather!

“Although the permanent equipment at the Showfield isn’t going ahead, if there’s enough interest in our pop-up activity on October 12, Dogs for Health may run more sessions in the future, at the Showfield or other green spaces in Frome.

“Come and find out about what we do and enjoy some quality time with your dog on October 12.”

The pop-up dog agility event takes place at the Old Showfield on October 12 from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

No need to book, just drop in.

Enquiries and feedback about Frome Town Council’s can be sent to engage@frometowncouncil.gov.uk