CONTROLS on dog fouling have been extended until 2023 by Cheshire East councillors.

The council’s cabinet voted to renew a series of public space protection orders (PSPOs) which compel owners to clear up after their pets, as well as renewing a variety of gating orders, including in Middlewich.

There are also extra measures in place in the Carrs Park, Wilmslow — as owners cannot take more than four dogs into the beauty spot, and they must be kept on a lead at all times.

Ahead of the vote, CEC held a six-week online consultation about the proposals, with Cllr Craig Browne saying the results showed public support was ‘overwhelmingly’ in favour of the renewal.

Support was particularly strong to extend the gating orders, with no objections being recorded among the polled 630 households which are affected by the measures.

Since the introduction of PSPOs, 146 fixed penalty notices have been issued over breaches of the dog controls, with a further 78 fines handed out in Wilmslow.

Fixed penalty notices for contravening the orders are currently set at £100, but if prosecuted, fines can rise up to £1,000.

The orders have a three-year shelf life, and were last renewed in October 2017.