MEMBERS of the public are being asked for their views on whether dogs should be kept on leads in some of Maldon district’s busiest leisure areas and sensitive locations such as cemeteries.

All residents, whether they are dog owners or not, are invited to give their opinions on a variety of dog control measures proposed for the district.

This includes maintaining the current regulations which make it an offence for owners not to pick up their dog’s waste in public places

Alongside continuing to ban dogs from children’s play sites it also proposes extending those rules to cover enclosed sports pitches such as tennis courts and bowls lawns.

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Residents are also asked to provide their views on granting authorised officers the power to insist owners keep individual dogs on a lead if their behaviour is having - or is likely to have - "a detrimental effect on the local community".

In addition, it is proposed to make it compulsory to keep dogs on leads in these areas:

  • Maldon, Heybridge and Burnham cemeteries (at any time).
  • Promenade Park, Maldon, around the lake and the extension to the statue of Byrthnoth (April 1 to September 30 only).
  • The Quay and West Quay in Burnham, stretching from The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club to Burnham Beach, including the beach itself (at any time).
  • Riverside Park, Burnham, covering Millfield Recreation Ground and the area adjoining Remembrance Avenue (at any time).

Penny Channer, leader of Maldon District Council, said: “We want to encourage responsible dog ownership and healthy enjoyment of parks and public spaces, while making sure that canine companions don’t cause a danger or nuisance to others.

“We hope that as many people as possible will respond to this consultation to help us continue to strike the right balance.”

The council's 'Dog Control Order' consultation began yesterday and is open until May 31.

Have your say on the matter at www.maldon.gov.uk/consultations.