AN ‘OVERWHELMING’ majority of people in South Lakeland want to see Dog Control Orders introduced in a bid to create cleaner streets.

South Lakeland District Council carried out a three month consul-tation on the issue – and 88 per cent of the 1,200-plus people who responded either ‘strongly’ sup-ported or backed the principle of DCOs.

That included 578 respondents who own and walk dogs.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, DCOs would deal with issues such as dog fouling as well as canines out of control that can cause road traffic accidents, nuisance and aggression.

The four types of dog control order available under the legis-lation, which the council wants to introduce, are: n Fouling of land by Dogs Order – a person in charge of a dog must clean up after the dog on public land.

n Dogs on Leads Order – a person in charge of a dog must put the dog on a lead when directed by a person authorised by SLDC.

n Dog Exclusion Order – all dogs would be excluded from designated areas such as children’s play areas.

n Dogs on Leads Order – all dogs to be kept on a lead on highways and footways/pavements in built-up areas, cemeteries, parks, gardens and promenades at Ambleside, Bowness and Arnside.

If SLDC introduces DCOs, a person not complying with the orders would be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice carrying a penalty of £75 and could also be subject to prosecution.

Coun Clare Feeney-Johnson, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said the clean streets consultation was launched in response to calls from residents to address a number of issues.

“The local community has helped to shape the end result by being directly involved in the consultation and I would like to thank everone who took the time to complete the questionnaire and give us their views,” she said. “The council can now look at putting the most suitable measures in place, which will result in cleaner streets for all in South Lakeland.”

To find out more about the council’s proposals and the results of the consultation visit www.southlakeland. gov.uk or contact the SLDC Contact Centre on 0845 050 4434 or email cleanstreets@southlakeland.gov.uk