Suggested changes to the way Isle of Wight people can use public spaces have met with approval from the public.

According to papers released by the Isle of Wight Council today, more than 1,000 people surveyed were in favour of new rules on dog fouling, dogs on leads, dog exclusion zones and areas related to anti-social drinking.

The proposals will now go before councillors who will decide whether to implement them.

During a four-month consultation, over a thousand people gave their views as the Isle of Wight Council is making new Public Space Protection Orders to replace the existing Designated Public Place Orders and Dog Control Orders.

The orders are needed to replace separate dog and alcohol control orders that will soon be no longer enforceable due to a change in the law.

Results of the consultation included:

  • Alcohol control (extended): 92% in favour
  • Dog fouling control (no change): 98% in favour
  • Dog exclusion areas on beaches (no change): 80% in favour
  • Dogs on leads in cemeteries (new proposal): 95% in favour
  • Dogs excluded from fenced children's play areas (new proposal): 93% in favour
  • Dogs on leads on public highways (no change): 91% in favour
  • Dogs on leads on St Helens revetment (new proposal): 75% in favour
  • Dogs on leads on certain rights of way (new proposal): 85% in favour

The proposals mostly reflect what is already in force, with some amendments.

Cabinet member for environment, heritage and waste management: Councillor Steve Hastings said: “There are no new rules for dogs on beaches.

"As originally proposed, these will continue exactly as before.

“I am pleased to see the new proposals to limit dogs in cemeteries and fenced children's play areas – we have had requests for these controls for some time and clearly these are ideas that most people support.”

Cabinet member for community safety and digital transformation Councillor Gary Peace said: “We need Public Space Protection Orders to ensure public safety and help tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Most dog owners, myself included, are responsible people who don’t need new laws to tell them how to behave. However, we all know of, or have seen, some owners who don’t control their dogs and have no respect for others."