WEYMOUTH'S public spaces dog orders are expected to be extended for another year.

The public spaces protection order was due for a review and a public consultation during the winter but has been delayed. It was due to expire on May 31st.

The council now wants to extend the existing order to include the spring and summer and then carry out the consultation next September.

If that happened new orders could be ready for Easter 2020.

A formal decision on the extension is being requested at the February 5th meeting of the borough council's management committee.

Team leader for environmental protection, Jane Williams, says in her report to the committee: “Owing to the timing and the transfer of functions to the new Dorset Council, followed by elections, it is considered expedient to seek an extension to the existing Order so that any new Order can be considered by Dorset Council.

“Should an extension not be agreed, the extant Order will lapse and the various requirements it contains, including the requirements to have dogs on leads in prescribed areas, the requirement to clear up fouling and the prohibition of dogs from much of Weymouth beach during the summer, will not be enforceable...”

“Should the extant Order lapse, it would not be possible to undertake enforcement action in respect of failure to clear up dog fouling. Such a situation would be considered untenable and not meet public expectations.”

She says one of the other advantages of a delay is that it would allow the new Weymouth Town Council to take part in the consultation.

Weymouth's summer ban on dogs on the beach has continued to be controversial with local and national groups questioning the rationale behind the time period chosen.

In a letter to the committee the Kennel Club says: “With regard to the proposed dog exclusion orders on Weymouth beach, the Kennel Club believes that the dates should be 1st May – 30th September as this coincides with the current bathing season of 15th May to 30th September. We oppose restrictions which commence on Good Friday (or dates linked to Easter) and continue to a set date in the autumn. Over the course of the next three years, Easter varies by up to 17 days.”