A new dog exercise area is set to open as part of the South Oxhey playing fields regeneration scheme.

The facilities include agility apparatus for pups to learn new skills and tricks, meet friends and socialise in a safe enclosed space.

Three Rivers District councillor Chris Lloyd, the lead member for leisure, said: “We are excited to open the district’s first council-owned dog enrichment area that will no doubt be loved by residents across Three Rivers and their dogs.

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“You can bring your dog here to exercise and practice recall techniques, or teach other tricks in a secure and safe place. It will also be useful for those dogs that are recovering from injury or are timid as they can be allowed off-lead but will be kept secure."

It comes amid wider work to improve South Oxhey playing fields, with £470,000 spent on the rejuvenation project, alongside £51,667 from the Lawn Tennis Association towards improving the tennis courts.

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Some of the work has included refurbishing the park’s pathways, tennis courts, skateboard park and the football pitch has been replaced.

The dog area means that there is a safe enclosed part of the playing fields, away from other park users, which the pets can freely use with their owners.

Cllr Lloyd added: “As a council, we are committed to ensuring our residents and their children have access to high-quality parks and play areas in order to live healthy and active lifestyles.

“The incredible revamped playing fields do just that, and I thank our contractors and council officers for turning the area into a community and social hub for families and their dogs to enjoy.”

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The council has decided that dogs must be supervised by someone over the age of 16 and dog owners can only be responsible for two dogs at a time.

The revamped playing fields will be opened by Cllr Raj Khiroya on Saturday, September 16, where there will be a variety of free activities, including basketball and skating.