Dogs banned from play areas

DOGS will be banned from all children’s play areas in Oldham under new control orders which come into force next week.

But the regulations will not apply to dogs belonging to the deaf or blind or people with a mobility disability, who require the aid of a dog.

People taking more than four dogs at any time at 52 of Oldham’s parks will also be in breach of the new regulations.

Dog owners who flaunt the new rules will be liable to a fine.

The news has been welcomed by childminder Michelle Lockett from Failsworth, who says she goes to the parks everyday with up to six youngsters.

Last year she successfully petitioned for a fence to be put up around the children’s play area at Higher Failsworth Memorial Park in a bid to keep dogs out and children in.

Dog dirt contains pathogenic organisms that can be harmful to humans and can cause blindness.

Ms Lockett said the new orders were “fantastic news” but wondered how they would be to regulate with a lack of enforcement officers in the parks.

“We’ve not had many problems since the fence went up but we are worried about dangerous dogs and dogs fouling in the areas where chidlren play.

“There are still dogs off their leads and they foul a lot in the tennis courts here but it’s the case that someone needs to see dogs fouling for them to be caught.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “If Oldham Council decides to stop dogs using our parks, then they should first provide alternative areas for the sole purpose of exercising our pets.”

Orders are already in place requiring owners to clean up their dog mess and to keep dogs on leads in cemeteries and memorial gardens.

In 2009/10 the council received 1,290 service requests relating mostly to dog fouling and stray dogs.