The Council is proposing to ban dogs from a further 26 children's play areas in West Lancashire to help keep children safe and reduce problems with dog fouling.

The Council is also planning to require dogs to be kept on leads in five specified areas in public parks and playing fields. These five areas have been chosen because there are other publicly accessible areas nearby where dogs can be exercised without restrictions.

Local residents, visitors and organisations are now invited to give their views on the proposals so they can be taken into account before final decisions are made.

The list of proposed restricted areas is provided on the council website www.westlancs.gov.uk/yourviews along with details of how to submit comments.

Councillor Kevin Wright, portfolio holder for health and community safety, said:

"Dogs are already excluded from 43 children's play areas under Dog Control Orders introduced by the Council in 2009. These restrictions have been successful in keeping these areas safe for children.

"Now we propose to introduce similar restrictions in other play areas in the borough, and in addition to impose restrictions requiring dogs to be kept on leads in five other locations.

"I encourage people to visit the website to find out where these play areas are, and to give their views, so they can be taken into account when the Council meets in December to make decisions."

Give your views
* Visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/yourviews

* Send comments by email to: publicspaceconsultation@westlancs.go...stlancs.gov.uk>

* Or write to: Environmental Protection and Community Safety Manager, West Lancashire Borough Council, Robert Hodge Centre, Stanley Way, Skelmersdale ,West Lancashire, WN8 8EE


The Consultation runs from Monday 28 November 2016 until Tuesday 3 January 2017.