Keeping dogs under control in open spaces across the Folkestone & Hythe district is the focus of a new public consultation.
The proposed Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2025 responds to complaints from residents about dog fouling not being removed and dogs out of control near children’s play areas.
It is based on the measures of the current 2022 PSPO, which expires later this year, but with some suggested additions.
These include:
- Extending the dogs on leads area in the Lower Leas Coastal Park to prevent uncontrolled dogs in the play area and to protect the planted area of Leas Cliff Gardens.
- Designating a dog friendly area around the amphitheatre and below Leas Cliff Hall.
- Dogs on leads in The Stadium, Aldridge Road, Folkestone and no dogs in the children's play area.
- Dogs on leads in Le Quesne (including the site of the former buildings), North Road, Folkestone and no dogs in the play area.
- Dogs not allowed in the enclosed children’s play areas at Hythe Green, Dymchurch Recreation Ground and Mackenzie Drive in Folkestone.
- Dogs allowed on the beach at Greatstone where there was a previous restriction in place.
Cllr Polly Blakemore, F&HDC Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: “The amendments to the current dog control PSPO are being proposed in response to complaints we have received from residents.
“It is the few, who do not pick up after their dog has fouled or let their dog run around out of control, who make such measures necessary.
“When it comes to children’s play areas we simply have to protect the health and safety of our young people.”
More information and maps of the areas can be found on the council website Comments can be made by responding to this survey or by emailing dog.consultation@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
Printed copies of the PSPO information can be obtained by contacting the council on 01303 853000.
The consultation will be open until 25 June 2025.
The feedback will then be considered by councillors.