Residents given more time to have their say on city wide enforcement powers

In response to feedback from the public, the consultation has also been widened to include the option of keeping dog control restrictions on the city's beaches the same as they are currently.

Residents now have until Friday, 26 February to make their views known at www.sunderland.gov.uk/consultation The updated consultation will go live on Tuesday 16 February.

Council Leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, said: "The original options for dogs on the city's beaches were drawn up in response to views put forward to us by local residents and local councillors.

"What came across loud and clear in our Let's Talk consultation last year, in which more than half the city's population took part in, was that the environment is a top priority for our residents, with calls for more enforcement action as they want to live in a clean and green city.

"We have seen some horrific examples of increased litter and dog mess being left across our award winning blue flag beaches and parks, and waste being dumped in city streets and rural locations. 

"Beach users also told us that the current dog exclusion zones are not as clear as they might be. So the proposals put forward in the consultation were designed to address these concerns by making the restrictions clearer at the same time as addressing the issues of increased litter and dog mess.

"But after listening to residents' views over the last few days, we have now added a third option of keeping the regulations the same as they are currently to the two already available and extended the time available for residents to have their say by more than a week.

"We really want residents to tell us if they'd like to see further action to control issues such as dogs on beaches and dog fouling, or whether they are happy with the current dog control measures we have in place.

"So I would encourage any residents who haven't already done so, to take the time to join in the consultation which also covers anti social behaviour such as spitting in public spaces and using motorbikes and quad bikes on footpaths and bridle ways. "

"We are also asking about the introduction of a new offence which would require dog walkers to have the means for cleaning up their dog fouling.

The three options around dog control measures on beaches which residents are being asked to give their views on are:

- Proposed new measures between 1 May and 30 September, which would require dogs to be on a lead at all times
- Proposed new measures between 1 May and 30 September, which would see dogs excluded from beaches between 9am to 6pm
- Sticking with the current regulations which involve dog exclusion zones on beaches between 1 May and 30 September

The online consultation started at the beginning of December and will now close at midnight on Friday 26 February, after which time all results and feedback will be considered before any changes to current restrictions or the introduction of new measures are agreed and implemented.