Possible plans to keep dogs on leads - and exclude them - in some areas across Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth have been met with anger by campaigners

Possible plans to keep dogs on leads - and exclude them - in some areas across Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth have been met with anger by campaigners.

Warwick District Council says it is 'at a very early stage’ of gaining views and opinions regarding dog owners using St Mary’s Lands in Warwick, Abbey Fields in Kenilworth an Newbold Coymn in Leamington.

They added: “Once these initial ideas have been collated and presented to councillors, if we gain their approval we will then undertake a full public consultation.”

But groups in all three towns have already made their voices heard on the matter. Some of the plans mention excluding dogs from parts of the parks, including the former Newbold Comyn golf course (except on the footpath that crosses the course and dogs must be kept on leads on that part).

A spokesperson from The Friends of St Mary’s Lands said: “These proposals are apparently intended to protect nesting birds but the area proposed is 100 metres from the skylark nesting site.

“Despite skylarks nesting until September, Warwick District Council mow the grass there every August and it is noted that cars are regularly allowed to park in this area.”

Adding: “Many of our members are dog-walkers and take strong exception to these draconian proposals.”

Similar dog control orders were brought forward in the district in 2011 and Kate Pittel was one of those who successfully fought the proposals.

She said: “Has there been a sudden increase in dog-related problems? It wasn’t the case last time and I very much doubt it is this time.

“There are an awful lot of dog owners in this area, and I think the council was surprised by the reaction and passion with which we fought for our rights then.

“I’m surprised they want to even consider further restrictions given the reaction they were faced with last time.”