AN order banning people from walking their dogs on a sports pitch could have its deadline extended.

To help combat dog fouling at Colchester’s Mill Road Sports Ground, Colchester Council is looking to extend a public space protection order which comes to an end on October 31.

Members of the public are invited to submit their views on the extension of the public space protection order, which seeks to ban dogs from the sports pitch areas of the sports ground, and ensure dogs are kept on a lead on non-sports pitch areas.

In addition, a proposed amendment to the designated area will extend it to include the former training ground of the Iceni Dog Club, which is no longer based at the sports ground.

Tina Bourne (Lab), councillor responsible for communities, said: “Due to the failure of some dog owners to pick up after their pets, the original PSPO was introduced in 2016 and was widely welcomed by residents and organisations.

“Where PSPOs are in place, we have greater powers to enforce against anti-social behaviour.

“For instance, anyone caught breaching the terms of the PSPO will face a £100 fixed penalty notice.

“With this extension we will be better placed to ensure the sports grounds aren’t blighted by dog mess and can be safely enjoyed by all.”

To date, enforcement under the PSPO at Mill Road has resulted in 12 fixed penalty notices and a successful court prosecution against a dog owner who allowed her dog to be off-lead on the Mill Road sports pitches.

Jane Hurry was the first person to have been taken to court by Colchester Council.

Hurry, of Rawlings Crescent, Colchester, was fined £500 in her absence by Chelmsford magistrates.

Colchester Council said Hurry failed to comply with a public spaces protection order when she allowed her dog to be off its lead on and around the Mill Road sports pitches, on January 15.

If implemented, the extended PSPO will run for a further two-year period.

Council zone wardens were asked to step up patrols after two students fell into dogs’ mess on the fields.

Warning signs were put up and the order was promoted through the media.

Despite this, around Christmas and new year, 13 fixed penalty notices were handed out to offending dog owners.

The two-week consultation runs from today until October 8.

Information can be viewed on Colchester Council’s website at www.colchester.gov.uk/millroadconsultation.

Any comments or representation should be emailed to parks@colchester.gov.uk.