PLANS to ban dogs from Wirral beaches will no longer go ahead after the council faced a backlash from angry residents.

The authority was set to bring in tough new measures which included banning dogs from certain areas altogether, as well as others where owners would have to keep them on leads at all times.

The proposals included a ban on dog walking between May and the end of September in tourist hotspots such as New Brighton, Meols and West Kirby beaches, as well as various areas of Birkenhead Park.

However, after more than 8,500 people completed a questionnaire on the proposed 'Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), officials have now confirmed that dog restrictions on beaches and small exclusion zones will now not go ahead.

Proposals are still in place to ban dogs from bowling greens and tennis courts and to have them kept on leads in areas such as cemeteries, allotments, public car parks and picnic areas.

Commenting on today’s decision to drop beaches from the areas of the borough where dogs will be banned, Conservative Wallasey cllr Paul Hayes said: “Whatever was Labour thinking to have allowed such a plan to get this far?

"Many, many people have been genuinely upset and distressed that a heavy-handed diktat from the Town Hall could take away the simple pleasure of taking their dog for a walk, while doing nothing to tackle the minority of owners who fail to clear up after their pets.

“While Councillor Patrick has taken the decision to drop beaches from his dog plan ban – it is now beholden upon him to prove why other parts of the borough will still become no-go areas for thousands of Wirral residents.”

Wirral's cabinet member for environment cllr Matthew Patrick has also said how he wants to review sports pitches on a 'pitch by pitch' basis to ensure 'future restrictions are right for residents.'

Leader of local Liberal Democrats cllr Phil Gilchrist told the Globe: "My email box, and that of all councillors, was filled with many objections.

"Most of these raised clear practical concerns about enforcement.

"The Cabinet clearly bit off more than it could chew, so the change of heart and tack is welcome.

"The playing fields still need to be considered in a case by case, but the comments and questionnaires were general, not about each location.

"Renewed consultation, on each set of pitches, ought to take time and be done.

"There are dog walkers who have taken fouling concerns to heart.

"Their offers to get other owners to take greater care make sense."

All findings to the proposals will be looked at in detail before a revised proposal is put together and then will be put forward to the Cabinet for a final decision.

Proposed dog free zones in Birkenhead Park

More details about the proposed rules here: https://www.wirral.gov.uk/environmental-problems/dog-control-orders