FOI request (FOIR-636302486)

PSPOs consultation figures

Requested Mon 05 August 2024
Responded Tue 15 October 2024

I would like to see the figures and outcome of the previous consultation on PSPOs requiring dogs to be on a lead in Hastings parks green spaces.

Response

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding.

The results of the public consultation for renewing/putting in place a new dog PSPO which went public from 5th September 2022 to 16th October 2022 can be seen in the report that went to cabinet on 6th March 2023:

https://hastings.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=4775&Ver=4

There were no direct comments about dogs needing to be on a leads in Hastings Parks and Open Spaces. The majority of the responses were around the beach restrictions.

The responses through citizen lab are summarised below:

601x comments and responses specifically opposed the proposed restrictions on the beach.

114x comments and responses mentioned that the previous or existing beach controls seemed fair and enough.

124x comments and responses directly mentioned that beach controls were not needed in West St. Leonards or Bulverhythe areas.

53x comments and responses specifically opposed all the proposals.

74x comments and responses approved or agreed with the proposals.

52x comments and responses mentioned that Southern Water and sewage were bigger issues to deal with.

4x comments and responses felt that timed restrictions made areas unsafe for women walking dogs as they would need to walk later.

9x comments and responses felt that enforcement (lack of) of current restrictions was more of an issue.

6x comments and responses opposed the dog exclusion covering the cemetery with them suggesting dogs on leads would be more appropriate.

2x comments specifically mention Bembrook Open Space, stating it did not need restrictions.

1x comment welcoming restrictions on Bembrook Open Space.