Pendle Borough Council wants to hear from the public about its parks and sports grounds in a new consultation.
The Public Spaces Protection Order for parks and sports grounds is up for renewal for a further three years and the council is asking users to have their say.
Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “We want to continue to keep our public spaces clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
“This includes keeping dogs out of certain areas – including children’s play areas – to keep these places safe and clean for people to use.
“The Protection Orders put in place three years ago are up for renewal for a further three years, so if residents and visitors do want to have a say on the restrictions, now is the time to do it.”
Tim Horsley, Pendle Borough Council’s community safety officer, said: “We know that our parks and green spaces are important for dog walkers, so the restrictions on them have been kept to a minimum.
“Dogs are only banned outright from specific areas such as children’s playgrounds.
“The current Protection Orders also include a ban on dogs at multi-use games areas (MUGAs), tennis courts, bowling greens and skate parks. This to protect people from the problem of dog fouling.
“Anyone who doesn’t comply with Protection Orders can be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice or be prosecuted by Pendle Borough Council.”
In the current Protection Orders, dogs must be on a lead no longer than two metres at most sports pitches and on car parks, for the safety of people, dogs and drivers.
Dogs are banned from a number of sports grounds in Pendle, including the Steven Burke Cycle Track and BMX pump track, as well as Earby Recreation Ground.
Dog walkers can be asked to show that they have a way of picking up and properly disposing of their dog’s mess.
Other restrictions include rules on barbecues, a ban on smoking in children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, tennis and ball courts and a ban on campfires and overnight parking.
If you use any of Pendle’s parks, sports grounds or play areas, visit www.pendle.gov.uk/pspo for details or comment by emailing: [email protected]
The consultation closes on October 17.
Once the public consultation period is over, the proposed renewal and new proposals will go to Pendle’s Area Committees later this year.
