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.

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.

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.