‘Hound ground’ and dog washing station are set up at Tilgate Park

Crawley Borough Council has set up a ‘hound ground’ - a secure paddock - for dogs to run off the lead, and a new dog-washing station to ensure dog owners don’t have to go home with a muddy mutt in the back of their car.

Dogs have to be kept on leads at all times while walking round Tilgate Lake but the new hound ground means that dog owners have a new safe space for off-lead training.

There is space for up to six dogs at a time and an on-line booking system is being operated in line with Covid regulations. Each session costs £10.

Meanwhile, an automated, self-serve dog washing station has also been introduced in the park.

Polygon Pets have installed the washing station - which has proved popular in other parks - by the main toilets and car park. It takes contactless payment and provides everything needed to shampoo, rinse and dry your dog.

Councillor Chris Mullins, cabinet member for wellbeing, said: “This makes Tilgate Park an even better place to walk your dogs in a safe and enjoyable way. “It will help take away the stress of washing or training your dog.”