Dog restriction zones extended to play areas

In September Warwick District councillors, despite a much-publicised campaign by opponents, voted in favour of measures to impose new dog control orders which mean people will be banned from taking their dogs to certain areas and required to keep them on a lead in others, including parts of Newbold Comyn.

But recently members of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee put forward a list of play areas, including at Newbold Comyn, Red Lane in Kenilworth and Priory Pools in Warwick, to which they think the order should be extended.

Parish councils are also being invited to submit to the district council areas they consider appropriate for the orders, which come into force at the approved sites today (Monday).

Speaking at the council’s executive meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Michael Coker (Con, Kenilworth Abbey), who is responsible for environmental services, said: “It has been suggested that we were going to close off every area and there would be nowhere dogs would be allowed but children’s play areas are the only ones which are going to be fenced.

“These new areas would only take effect after consideration by the executive.”

Cllr Bill Gifford (Lib Dem, Leamington Milverton), chairman of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee, said: “Most dog owners are responsible enough to not take their dogs on these sorts of areas. But it’s still important that there is not this area of doubt.”

Signs indicating the new restriction zones are to be put up in the next few weeks.