Business leaders have hit back at an animal charity opposing a park-and-ride scheme.

The Brighton Business Forum said the RSPCA's argument that a new park-and-ride facility at Braypool Lane in Patcham, Brighton, would mean the closure of their headquarters was untrue.

The charity and its supporters have mounted a campaign against the 900-car park-and-ride, saying it will be unable to operate if the development goes ahead on nearby playing fields because there will be nowhere to walk dogs.

But a business forum chairman Tony Mernagh said there was a field to the east of Braypool Lane closer to the rear entrance of the kennels than the playing fields and quieter.

The RSPCA says the field is unsuitable as it cannot be seen from the window of the headquarters, meaning prospective owners cannot be supervised as they walk dogs.

Mr Mernagh said: "It begs the question of whether prospective owners should be allowed to exercise the dogs without closer supervision."

Another suggestion of a green exercise strip around the perimeter of any new park-and-ride facility has been dismissed on the grounds that the dogs need a lot of space to exercise.

Mr Mernagh said: "In fact the dogs are kept on a lead and the strip would therefore afford just as much exercise as an open field."

A petition containing more than 5,000 signatures opposing the scheme was presented to a meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council last Thursday.

Mr Mernagh said: "The local branch of the RSPCA in Brighton has done a remarkably good job of cementing the idea in the public's mind that a new park-and-ride facility at Braypool would mean the closure of their headquarters building adjacent to the site. This is not the case.

"Park-and-ride is essential to maintain our reputation as a destination."

Wednesday, October 19, 2005