Dogs must be kept on lead in parts of Clifton Park under council plans

A council consultation on plans to introduce a public space protection order in Rotherham town centre and the park ended last week.

As well as banning spitting, drinking, urinating in public and littering, the proposals also include fining people up to £100 for failing to keep a dog on a lead and under control.

Council bosses originally planned to impose a restriction on the whole of Clifton Park but this was amended following feedback received during the consultation.

Other behaviour which would be banned within the area ringed in red in the map (pictured) include:

• Behaving in such a way or using language that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to another person
• Drinking alcohol other than in a licensed premises or event
• Spitting
• Face-to-face fundraising and marketing carried out by organisations without permission of the council
• Using or carrying illegal drugs
• Littering
• Using a vehicle to cause a nuisance
• Urinating or defecating in a public place

Instead of taking people to court, they would be fined up to £100. If this went unpaid, they could then be prosecuted.

A council spokeswoman said 94 per cent of the public said they supported the proposals, which will be discussed at a cabinet and commissioners’ decision making meeting on Monday, September 11.

Restricted areas where dogs must be kept on the lead would include around the bandstand, museum, children’s play area and the memorial garden.

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, Cabinet member for community safety, said: “The consultation showed a lot of public support for taking this approach, and introducing new powers to tackle the minority in the town centre that prevent other people enjoying it.

“These proposals will now be taken forward and start to come into force next month.”