A TOWN-WIDE consultation over whether dog control orders should be enforced has been met with a positive response from residents, according to the cabinet member behind the proposals.

Coun David Wren, Swindon Council's cabinet member for local environment, said the council had received plenty of feedback from an initial consultation in the town centre.

He said: "I was in the town centre on our stall and there were a good number of people who were coming up to us asking questions and filling in our questionnaires.

"From my experience talking to people the overwhelming feedback has been one of support for what we are doing. I think most people understand why we do need control orders for dogs.

"It is not a blanket ban on dogs it is about striking a balance between dog lovers and the needs of the public. There will still be lots of places in town where people can have their dogs off leads."

As part of the plans being considered by the council, dogs could be banned from children's play areas and bowling greens. Owners could also be forced to keep their pets on a leash in most of the town's parks.

Anyone ignoring the rules would be given an £80 on the spot fine.

Swindon Council is giving members of the public the chance to comment on plans to introduce three new orders to keep dogs on leads, out of fenced areas and force owners to clean up their mess.

The idea was first proposed by Coun David Glaholm (Ind, Penhill).

"I have spoken to people on both sides, but my view is where children are playing dogs should be kept on leads, " he said.

"I'm not saying dogs should be tied up all the time, but I do think each park needs to be looked at individually."

The Dogs On Leads order would mean animals must be restrained on all public roads, footpaths and verges.

Four-legged friends would also have to be kept on their leads in some of the town's green spaces, including Queen's Park, Penhill Park, the Town Gardens and a designated part of Lydiard Park around the visitors' centre, walled garden, the lake and other areas.

Earlier this year Lydiard Park's only swan was mauled to death by dog.

The Fouling Of Land order would force owners to clean up faeces.

The Exclusion Of Dogs order would ban dogs from children's play areas, cemeteries, bowling greens, skateboard parks or anywhere with a no dogs' sign.

People breaking the Dog Control Orders would be issued with a £80 fine to be paid within 14 days. People in Swindon have until July 6 to make their views on the dog control orders clear.

The results of the consultation will be announced later in the year.

To take part in the survey fill in a questionnaire online at www.swindon.gov.uk People can also send comments in writing to: Dog Control Orders, Environmental Protection, Premier House, Station Road, Swindon SN1 1TZ.