AN “EYESORE” part of a Hockley wood looks set to be transformed into a dog training centre to prepare pooches to compete in competitions. 

The overgrown and derelict spot in Betts Wood, Hockley, currently contains a former play area that has been fenced off and out of action since 2018. 

Now, Rochford Council is set to agree to remove the play area and allow Benfleet Working Trails Society – which trains dogs to complete – to use the land. 

The group has been working with Rochford Council for three years and will use the space for recall training, obedience training, dressage, agility training and showjumping. 

Woodland - Betts Wood Woodland - Betts Wood (Image: Woodland Trust)

Rochford District Residents councillor for Hockley, Adrian Eves, said: “I think it has been a bit of a mess but I am pleased with the outcome, this is a positive outcome and will clean up a scruffy looking eyesore area of council land.

“I just don’t understand why this has taken three years.

“It’s good as the reason the club wanted it is because they are using a field at the back of the Hockley Community Centre. They highlighted it as something they could use and when that conversation started it was of big benefit to them. 

“They will have a secure area for their training and competition work. All they need is to the book the area.” 

Ahead of a meeting next week, Rochford Council’s strategy, finance and policy committee have been recommended to approve spending £7,900 to clear the land. 

However, the council will include the stipulation the space continues to be open to the public. 

Benfleet Working Trials Society, owner, Kay Abbey, is looking forward to the deal finally being completed but has raised frustrations that public access will be retained. 

She said: “I said originally, we would maintain the land once it was strimmed and we could sort it but what has worried me is if I am looking after it, I am not happy it would be open to all.

“The space would have to stay unlocked, and it would become a dog’s toilet. This wasn’t the first agreement we had and the idea was for when the dogs are learning, to have a nice and secure place where they aren’t able to run off and look for their owner.

“We would have been able to work there away from the public and people often walk through our classes, we don’t want to do the upkeep if it is for the public.”