A ban on dogs at a playing field in York used by children has expired

A ban on dogs at a playing field in York city centre has expired.

Signs warning residents of fines of up to £500 if they exercise a dog at Holgate Dock, which is used by St Paul’s C of E Primary School pupils, have been removed.

Holgate Labour Councillor, Kallum Taylor, says the Public Protection Order only lasts for three years and then is reviewed.

However, because there were no breaches of the order reported during the period it was in force, the council wasn’t able to prove that further order was necessary.

Cllr Taylor pointed out that because the field, which is next to St Paul’s Mews and Watson Street, was used by the school, residents should take note that it should not be used for dog exercise when children are using it.

He said he liked to think residents would use their common sense.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) deal with problems that spoil the quality of life in your local community – they set out rules about behaviour in a ‘public space’ so that it’s:

• safer for everyone
• available to use and enjoy by law-abiding people
• free from anti-social behaviour

A wide range of behaviours can be managed through the restrictions or positive requirements in a PSPO, especially when other targeted methods of dealing with problems haven’t been successful.