More areas could be added to dog control order list

MORE children’s play areas and public spaces could be added to the list of no-go zones for dogs following the approval of exclusion and control orders.

The orders, which either require owners to keep their dogs on a lead in certain public spaces or prevent them from taking their pets to other areas, will come into force in Warwick district on Tuesday November 1.

Approval for use of the orders was given by members of Warwick District Council’s executive this week.

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Areas in which dogs will have to be kept on leads include Jephson Gardens, Leamington Cemetery and part of the footpath which crosses Newbold Comyn.

At present, exclusion zones would include Mid-Warwickshire Crematorium, excluding its car park areas when used to access Oakley Wood, the main racetrack surface at Warwick Racecourse, and several children’s play areas including Campion Hills BMX Track, St Nicholas Park’s paddling pool, St John’s children’s play area in Kenilworth and the play area in Sabin Drive, Weston-under-Wetherley.

These and 22 other areas were put forward on the basis they are clearly marked by fencing or other physical barriers.

But play areas including Norton Lindsey and Bishops Tachbrook will also be considered by the executive.

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Speaking to members of the executive in his role as chairman of the district council’s overview and scrutiny committee at Leamington town hall on Wednesday, Cllr Bill Gifford (Lib Dem, Leamington Milverton) said: “The committee felt there was a need that areas which are fairly clearly marked should be included.

“It is not in the interest of dog owners or young children to have ambiguity about it.

“The area in Victoria Park that is included is fenced but the other area isn’t.

“You don’t need a fence to do it, having definition is important because it is not good to have a situation where one lot of people think dogs are allowed and others don’t.

“We want to avoid upset and argument.”

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Cllr Alan Boad (Lib Dem, Leamington Manor) asked for a list to be drawn up of “tier two” play areas, which are not fenced but are clearly marked, to be put forward as possible exclusion zones.

He said: “Lets get those on within the next cycle.”

Cllr Michael Coker (Con, Kenilworth Abbey) pointed out that additions would not be accepted “willy nilly” and would have to be considered by the executive before they are approved.

Speaking yesterday Kate Pittel, who is campaigning against the orders, said: “Cllr Coker acknowledged in the meeting last night that once these orders were passed, they could nominate further areas under the Dog Exclusion Order.

“Right from the start, this was our main concern.

“The wording is so open ended that we could see all sorts of other areas in Warwick district become dog exclusion zones.

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“They always assured us that this wasn’t their intention but last night, it was clear that they were very aware that this is exactly what they can do. Now there will be no need for further reference to the public, or any kind of consultation period because that is the power they’ve given themselves.”