Owners face £100 fines for dogs off leads

Dog owners who let their pets off the lead in a town centre risk a £100 fine under new powers.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has introduced the rules for the Market Place area following complaints that visitors felt unsafe because of unleashed dogs.

Norfolk Police requested the measures as part of a review of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

Other restrictions have also been renewed, including fines for dog fouling and bans on dogs in locations such as cemeteries, play areas and parts of the beach in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston during the summer months.

The Conservative-controlled cabinet supported the plans at a meeting last month, and they were approved at a full council meeting last week.

The new rule applies from where the pedestrianised area starts at the southern end of the town centre, at Regent Road, King Street and Market Gates.

It covers the Market Place area up to Priory Plain at the northern end.

A Great Yarmouth Borough Council spokesperson said: ''The majority of dog owners are considerate and responsible.

"However, we have a small minority of people who spoil our communities by not picking up dog mess or who don't control their pets properly.

"Following a public consultation, the order has now been extended for a further three years with some minor alterations, which means dogs can't be off leads in the pedestrianised area around the Market Place in the town centre.

"Having a town that is safe, welcoming and which people take pride in is a real priority for everyone, and this order will ensure the council can take enforcement action where necessary."

People can find out more about the Public Spaces Protection Orders in the borough by visiting the council website.

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