Thousands sign petition against Wirral dog ban plans

Nearly 8000 people have signed a petition hitting out at plans to ban dog walkers from parts of Wirral.

The Council are proposing to bring in tough new measures on where pets can go in the borough - including bans from certain places altogether.

Plans include banning dogs in parts of beaches like New Brighton, Leasowe, Meols and West Kirby from May until September.

They also include places like sports pitches and parts of Birkenhead Park.

Under the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order - people could face fines of £100 - a consultation process is taking place until July.

Sarah Ashworth from Heswall set up the petition after founding Wirral Good Dogs.

She said: "I love the Wirral, I love the open spaces here, to have that taken away from me without any reason why , I think it's unfair and it's sad."

"By telling people that the local spaces they've gone to for years, that they can't anymore or they will be breaking the law, I think is really serious and really wrong"

Wirral Council say dog walkers will still have access to 20 miles of beaches across the borough and the proposed changes will create cleaner, safer and more attractive public spaces for all residents and visitors.

Cllr Matthew Patrick, Cabinet member for Environment, said: “Wirral is a beautiful place to live and work, but we know from listening to residents that a small minority aren’t playing their part in helping keep it that way.

“Our proposals will make Wirral a nicer place for all families. Wirral has acres of beautiful beaches; there is more than enough room for dogs and families to enjoy.