ST HELENS Council will consider whether tighter controls need to be put on dogs in parks after it emerged a man in his 80s suffered serious injuries when he was knocked off his bike.

The debate has been drawn into sharp focus after Pete Yates, who is secretary of the Friends Of Taylor Park, sent a letter to the Star about the incident. He stressed that his views are not representative of the organisation, he was speaking from a personal viewpoint.

He said: "The 83-year-old cyclist was knocked off his bike in Taylor Park by a dog apparently chasing a ball thrown by its owner. He ended up going to hospital where he had stitches in his head, shoulder, hand and leg. A second cut on his leg could not be stitched because of its depth and the tissue damage. His ribs were so badly bruised that he can't sleep in his own bed.

" This is the second time he has been injured by a dog in Taylor Park but this time he could have been killed.

"Perhaps this serious incident will focus the minds of the players in the long running and seemingly unresolvable debate about dog fouling and dog control in our public spaces."

He suggested that designated areas be introduced in parks where dogs must be on leads and where they are allowed to run free.

He added: "No one is suggesting dogs should be banned from our parks but in Taylor Park for example there are areas where cyclists are told to get off their bikes to minimise clashes with the public but dogs can run around anywhere.

"Let's stop pussy footing around and see some action to address this serious problem before we have an even more serious accident."

A spokesman from St Helens Council responded: "Clearly this was a very serious incident and we wish the cyclist a speedy recovery.

“We work closely with Merseyside Police to deal with incidents in our parks and are currently liaising with them to see what action can be taken in this instance.

“Longer-term, we are aware that tighter controls may be appropriate to protect park users and allow them to enjoy our open spaces in safety.

“Any action we take however, has to take into account the views of all park users.”