J,

A chap's quality of life has improved significantly since two of my neighbours, and their revolting pet, departed (or were evicted) - he can now risk a bike-ride!

The tenants of 164 have now moved to the rear of the Day-Night Pharmacy, 45 High St, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 8LQ; between 0530 and 0600 on Sunday 10th May there was an incident with the male resident who swore at me, threatened me and kicked the rear wheel of my pedal-bike, resulting in a serious buckle and damage to the mudguard.

The male had been walking his dog in the churchyard - not necessary, given that he now has a private garden in which it can be walked; as this character is, we know, one of the worst dog-foulers in the neighbourhood (unless under observation), I watched the dog as it made its way towards the grassed-over graves, wondering if its faeces would be retrieved; I was asked to "move-on". Of course I obliged, but as the male had begun the conversation I asked, politely, if he would consider picking-up 'after his dog'; the swearing and threats began, culminating in a 'rather bent' rear wheel - damage equivalent to as much as £100.

Cameras on the High Street, if operational, may have recorded this incident; it was reported via 101 - PC Bentley (another dog-person!) rang at 1145  - no authority to instruct  the dog to be walked privately. Suggested next-time I should call 999! Later sent crime number: 20DY/108296K/20 .

D.

PS: Is it a sad reflection on our times, J, that the Established Church of England, in order to attract customers, admits dogs to its sacred grounds?

PPS: "From this Wednesday", according to the Prime Minister, "we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise"; has the dog-lobby won again?

PPPS: With the lockdown-induced diminution in traffic, neighbours have taken, I notice, to toileting their dogs in the centre of Chapel Street, DY9, adjacent the delightful Carnegie Lye Library; should the British anthem now be replaced with that Beatles' 1968 recording, "Why don't we do it in the road"?

DWAustin
@da1955