Residents and councillors are to have their say on whether dogs should be banned from playparks across Aberdeenshire.

Ellon councillor Isobel Davidson proposed the move to protect children from dog mess.

She said: “This is just to go some way to give people a bit of space so they know there’s no risk of children being covered in dog poo.”

Ms Davidson raised the matter at an Aberdeenshire Council infrastructure services committee meeting yesterday and chairman Peter Argyle suggested the idea be put out to consultation.

He proposed an outline document be sent out to area committees so councillors and residents across the region can air their views.

The committee backed Mr Argyle’s suggestion, which means a report detailing the consultation will be presented to the committee after the summer recess for council meetings.

Councillors also decided the consultation should decide if any ban should also cover cemeteries.