A GROUP of dog owners locked people out of Cuthill Park so they could use it to train their pets, it has been claimed.

The group, who had been meeting regularly at the Prestonpans community park, are alleged to have brought their own padlocks and used them on both entrances to the area.

One angry resident said he arrived to find he could not get in and was told the gates would remain closed “until they were done”.

The complaint comes after a number of reported incidents in the park involving large numbers of dogs off-lead.

Friends of Cuthill Park are now understood to be discussing drawing up new by-laws which would tackle how dog owners and families can all enjoy the park.

Speaking at Prestonpans Community Council last week, council leader and ward councillor Willie Innes said he was aware of the problems being caused at the park by the group.

It is understood the dogs involved are huskies, and had initially been quite small but have grown in recent weeks.

One resident who attended the community council told Mr Innes: “I went down and there were padlocks on both gates, we were told we couldn’t get in until they were done.” But Mr Innes said no padlocks are used at Cuthill Park and they must have been brought with the group.

He added: “They have no right to lock the gates.” A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said they had not received any complaints about the gates being locked.

He said: “The council works closely with the Friends of Cuthill Park, who are initiating a number of improvements at the park. It is a public facility to be enjoyed by all.”