‘Hell awaits’ - Council threatened with ‘black magic’ after meadow is fenced off to dog walkers

A threatening sign has been placed on the new fence at Gaymers Meadow and a red substance used on several areas. Photo: Attleborough Town Council (Image: Attleborough Town Council)

Part of the fence has been taken down and laid out in the form of crosses with fake blood smeared across other parts.

The mayor of Attleborough has described the actions as 'unsavoury and sinister' and they have been reported to the police.

The fence was installed to help guide people from the car park to the second field where dogs are allowed to off their leads after requests from residents and sports teams who use the first field near the parking facilities.

'We want to reassure people that no rules have changed and dogs are allowed on the first field if they are on a lead, the fence is just for guidance,' said Jeremy Burton, the town's mayor.

A threatening sign has been placed on the new fence at Gaymers Meadow and a red substance used on several areas. Photo: Attleborough Town Council (Image: Attleborough Town Council)

But protesters, who do not want to use the new area, have taken action.

Two sinister notes have been pinned to the fence and signed in a red substance by someone calling themselves the midnight rambler.

One read: 'Give dogs back their freedom and not to be fenced in. Dogs use this park more than anyone else and their wonderful owners. If you don't hell awaits. 666 the number of the beast.'

Mr Burton said these actions, which he believes are the responsibility of one person, are unnecessary and mean the council's money can't be spent on other parts of the town.

'The notes really are unsavoury, unnecessary, not nice and very aggressive,' he said. 'The red substance has destroyed the fence and it will take time and money to remove. Attleborough is a lovely place and this vandalism means we can't spend money on other parts of town.'

Photos of the vandalism which have been posted on the council's Facebook have received a mix reaction.

Julie Kimber wrote: 'It's very sad that some owners spoil it for the majority, the fences that the council have put up are a waste of money as we are now directed down the opposite end of the car park straight onto the football field as the path that is fenced is unwalkable due to mud.Maybe money spent on fences would be better to install cctv to catch the people who do not pick up and fines would pay for cameras.'

Margaret Ferrari wrote: 'What a complete waste of time and money it was to erect a fence to stop the non pick up dog poo brigade. As a dog walker myself, often pick up other dog owners discarded dropping also my dog walking companions do the same so not all walkers should be tarred with the same brush.'

And Suzanne Pallant wrote: 'Maybe the answer to this is for the dog walkers to petition Breckland Council to build a much needed sports facility and grounds for the town, so the dog walkers can claim back Gaymers . A win win for everyone.'

There have been issues at the meadow before with residents angry at those who do not clean up after their dogs.

But Mr Burton said as there is not much green space in the town, he hopes these issues can be resolved.

'There is nowhere really in the town where we can create more green space so I really hope people can use the meadow side by side,' he added.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is urged to contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101.