Pendle News Room

Local people are being asked to comment on a new Protection Order which Pendle Council wants to introduce in a bid to tackle dog fouling on sports pitches in Pendle.

The Order will also include the current bylaws on sports pitches making them easier to enforce. 

These include restrictions like no fires, no radio controlled aircraft or vehicles and no sporting activities which may cause a risk such as practicing golf or archery. 

All sports grounds are included, with additional restrictions at Earby Recreation Ground; Bullholme Bike Trail and the Swinden Cycle Track between Barrowford and Nelson.

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed who leads on parks and recreation said:

“We want people’s views on our proposals to bring in new restrictions on dog walking in areas where we’ve had a lot of complaints about people not clearing up after their dogs.”

The proposals include not allowing dogs at the Swinden Cycle Hub and Bullholme Bike Trail.  

It also includes no dogs allowed at Earby Recreation Ground now there is a separate dog exercise area next to the sports ground.

The proposals will not affect people with disabilities walking with assistance dogs on these sites.

Community Protection Coordinator, Tim Horsley explained:

“The new Protection Order means that we can better protect children, young people and adults while they play and exercise.

“If agreed, we’ll use it to restrict the number of dogs to two on most sports grounds and ensure they are always kept on a lead,” he explained.

“Where cyclists are at risk or there is an alternative area for dog exercise, dogs will be banned,” he said.

Local residents can give their views via an online survey from now until 23 December www.pendle.gov.uk/publicspace

The new order will add new penalties to support the current restrictions on people failing to pick up their dog’s fouling in public places.

“We carried out consultation about dog fouling and other dog related problems earlier last year and received an enormous response,” said Senior Environmental Crime Officer, David Alexander.

“We’ve been fining people £75 if they don’t clear up after their dogs or don’t keep dogs on leads in cemeteries for many years now,” he explained.

“But comments we get from sports ground users show people also wanted dogs to be kept under more control in and around sports pitches,” he said.

Andy Devanney Chairman of Barrowford Celtic said: 

"Sometimes people let their dogs foul just on the edge of the pitch whilst a game is on!

"And there are some people who park their cars and let their dogs out and don't  bother to clear up after them."

Rob McAuley of Barrowford Celtic added:

"There are a lot of responsible owners, but some who aren't.

"We want to make Bullholme a safe environment for kids and adults who want to play football," he stressed.

And Pendle Council’s Green Spaces Manager, Kieron Roberts added:

“As part of our efforts to stamp out dog fouling, we’ve joined the successful Keep Britain Tidy We’re Watching You dog fouling campaign and there’ll be signs at hotspots to remind people to pick up after their dogs.”

Anyone with a question, concern or comment about the proposals can also contact Kieron on 01282 661587.

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