TOUGHER restrictions on dog walkers could be put in place as part of a proposed public space protection order for a council’s parks.

People’s views are wanted for Pendle Council’s proposed order as part of a public consultation on new restrictions for its borough’s 13 parks.

The proposals include dog walkers must put their pets on a lead, no smoking or dogs in enclosed children’s play areas, tennis courts or ball courts, using fireworks without expressed consent of council officer and flying wireless controlled aircraft, such as drones.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said the aim is to make sure the parks are suitable for everyone to enjoy.

He said: “There is a lot of people that use the parks and the vast majority of the people who walk their dogs are very responsible owners.

“I have had complaints there are dogs left off their lead and this can cause anxiety towards other park users.

“We want to try and solve this particular issue.

“The parks are open for everyone and we want to attract as many people as we can.

“The purpose of a public consultation is to get as many views as we can so I would urge the people of Pendle to get in touch as soon as they can.”

The consultation was launched this month and a survey can be completed online by visiting the council’s website.

Cllr Mohammed Arshad who leads on parks for Pendle Council, said: “We need to update the old parks by laws to make them easier to enforce and introduce some new limited restrictions on dogs in designated areas of parks.

“Changes could include Pendle Council and parish council staff being able to insist on dog walkers putting their dogs on a lead anywhere in a park if it’s in the interest of public safety.

“We also want to know how people feel about expecting dog walkers in parks having to show they have poo bags with them so that they can clean up after their dog as they enter a park.”

The deadline for the consultation is Friday, January 19.

The survey is also available from Contact Pendle in Market Street, Nelson.