Dog owners will have to be careful with their pets in Swindon's public places after the council has opted to continue Public Space Protection Orders. 

Swindon Borough Council introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) at Lydiard Park in 2016 following multiple complaints of out-of-control or nuisance dogs.

Since the order was introduced complaints of nuisance dogs at Lydiard have reduced significantly, while complaints about dog fouling at the council-owned country park have also fallen.

A public consultation was recently carried out to ask if the people of Swindon wanted the restriction at the popular park to continue for another three years. 

A total of 322 people took part in the eight-week process and 64 per cent said it should be extended in its current format, 24 per cent said they would like it renewed but with some changes, while 14 per cent said they did not believe there should be dog control restrictions at Lydiard

Under the order, pet owners are required to have their dogs on a lead in the more popular areas of the park between April and September from 10am to 6pm. The second part of the order excludes dogs from the Walled Garden and Rick Yard area. 

A second PSPO has also been re-introduced to prohibit dog fouling and to ban dogs (apart from assistance dogs) from enclosed children’s play areas.

Ninety-six per cent of those who took part in the consultation supported the dog fouling element of the PSPO, while 95 per cent were in favour of prohibiting dogs from enclosed play areas.

Owners who let their dog foul will be given a chance to pick up after their pet before a fine is ordered. People who refuse will be served a Fixed Penalty Notice and repeat offenders could face prosecution.

Councillor Matty Courtliff, who is responsible for Lydiard Park, said: “As a dog owner myself, I love being able to take him on walks across our wonderful country parks, and I also understand the responsibility of sharing those spaces with non-dog owners.

“The PSPO has allowed people to enjoy the beautiful parkland at Lydiard without having to worry about dogs being off-lead in the designated areas of the park and I hope the extension of the order will ensure that all users of Lydiard can continue to enjoy it in the years to come.”

Further details about both PSPOs are available on the Council’s website.