Fines could be issued to those who get too close to deer at Wollaton Park, under a proposal put forward by a councillor. Fixed penalty notices (FPNs) could be handed out for park-goers who get within 'close proximity' to the animals.
Nottingham City Council is to consider the plan, which if introduced could come into force as early as the summer after numerous reports of visitors getting to close to close to deer at the 500-acre park. Councillor Zafran Khan, who represents Wollaton West for Labour on the city council, said the authority had been left with no alternative due to individuals ignoring guidance that says people should stay at least 50 metres away from deer.
"Unfortunately over the last few years the problem has been exacerbated by a few visitors that haven't been adhering to these guidelines," he told Nottinghamshire Live. "It's wholly unacceptable and obviously people aren't listening to the message we've been trying to get out to them."
Read more: M&Co shop to close in Nottinghamshire after clothing chain goes into administration
Cllr Khan said his plan was that council community protection officers would patrol Wollaton Park and have power to issue FPNs. However the amount offenders will be fined is yet to be determined.
Cllr Khan said signs could also be put up across the park. There have been regular cases of visitors being pictured approaching and taking photos of deer, prompting warnings by the council and volunteer group Friends of Wollaton Park.
The park was briefly closed last October after a man was injured by a stag near the golf course in Lime Tree Avenue. A male red stag, protective of his does, was said to have approached and injured the member of the public.
The walker, who had been a safe distance away and done nothing wrong, was taken to hospital as a precaution. The deer was put down by a vet. Calls were also made for a security review after the incident.
Cllr Khan said these incidents had all played a part in the plan being formulated. "We've tried to get people to change their behaviour but unfortunately it hasn't worked," he said.
"We advise them to stay 50 metres away but if anyone's seen in close proximity to the deer, like some of the pictures and images show, they'll be fined. There's overwhelming public support for it, people have had enough.
"It's about people not being too close to the deer, where they're endangering themselves and obviously the animal. There's individuals that are specifically coming to the park, unfortunately, to get close to the deer to get pictures."
Cllr Steve Battlemuch, who also represents Wollaton West for Labour, said the introduction of the FPNs would act as a deterrent. "The council will probably just be trying to make people aware, I hope nobody has to be given a notice but bringing it in will help stop people," he said.
"Everybody should know it's a deer park and the deer are integral to it. A lot of work has been done to try and alert the public to the dangers of getting too close. There are posters in notice boards and large signs but some people people ignore them and want to get up close for photographs."
Deer have been known to attack people when they feel threatened, especially when they are rearing new-borns in the spring, or during the autumn rutting season. A man was attacked by a stag in Richmond Park, in London, in November 2020, after reportedly approaching the animal to feed it.
READ NEXT:
- New traders in as unique shop bounces back from liquidation
- Part of the city centre where a number of shops have closed
- Gym demolition in restoration of railway station with rich history
- Life in the Nottinghamshire village that is 'so unique' it attracts shoppers from across county
- 'Mid-range hotel' among calls for city's former Debenhams building
