Ban on dogs in playgrounds confirmed by council

Dogs are already banned from some playgrounds in Norfolk

A council has voted to ban dogs from playgrounds in its area amid concerns about the safety of children.

Broadland Council in Norfolk voted to bring in the measure after it received complaints about dogs being let off leads in play areas around Aylsham.

The rule forms part of its updated public spaces protection order (PSPO) across the district, which means people can be fined for failing to pick up dog mess.

Steve Riley, a Liberal Democrat county and district councillor for Aylsham, said the new restriction on enclosed playgrounds could help to prevent some children becoming "seriously ill" due to contact with dangerous bacteria.

Aylsham Town Council requested Broadland Council consider the new rules due to locals using play areas to exercise their dogs, both on and off leads.

It was suggested that dog urine and dog mess in playgrounds may leave behind traces of bacteria even once it has been cleared up, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

"People may pick up faeces within enclosed play areas, but the scientific evidence is that there is still surface contamination," warned Riley.

"I do not doubt this new ban will protect some children who would otherwise become seriously ill."

Concerns were also raised about young children and dogs being in an enclosed space together and the increased risk of biting.

'Widespread support'

A meeting of the full council last Thursday agreed to bring in the rule change, after it was backed by a committee earlier in the month.

Jan Davis, leader of the Green group, said there had been "widespread public support" for the move.

A ban on dogs in playgrounds has already been implemented by other authorities, including South Norfolk Council.

The new measures in Broadland will remain in place for three years, after which time they will be reviewed.

A report to the council says it currently receives "relatively low" complaints of uncleared dog mess, with 44 being recorded last year.