A CAMPAIGNER waging the war against plans to ban dogs from areas around the borough believes the latest 'u-turn' by Wirral Council is just a 'small victory’ in an ongoing battle.

Sarah Ashworth, who runs Wirral Good Dogs, has been raising awareness around the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which could see dogs banned from more than 150 local public spaces and being restricted to being on a short lead in many others.

A petition set up by the group has amassed around 14,329 signatures from dog owners and animal rights groups who disagree with the council's proposals.

Earlier this week, Wirral's cabinet member for environment cllr Matthew Patrick revealed that plans to ban dogs from beaches had been withdrawn but proposals are still in place to ban dogs from parks with marked sport pitches, bowling greens and tennis courts.

Owners must also keep their dogs on leads in areas such as cemeteries, allotments, public car parks and picnic areas.

Sarah told the Globe: "Councillor Patrick had called me to let me know about removing exclusion zones and beaches from the PSPO proposals which is great, however, after speaking with other owners we're more concerned about park bans and on the spot fines.

"It's a battle won in a war that's far from over.

"It looks like everything else could be going ahead and we can't just accept this small victory with the beaches.

"There's all sorts of new proposals such as dogs must not be walked on extension leads in certain areas which is unfair.

"There is also restrictions for public car parks, so if you're taking your dog out of your car in a public car park, perhaps on the way to the park, and it's paws touch the floor then you can receive an on the spot fine for £100.

"Some of the beach proposals were arguably the most reasonable of the proposals. Most owners rely on local parks to walk their dogs as there is nowhere else nearby.

"Councillor Patrick is throwing us a crumb.

"This is a tiny victory but there is so much more still to be decided.

"Please keep voicing your concerns and writing to councillor Patrick to keep up the pressure and get our voices heard."

To sign the petition visit https://www.change.org/p/wirral-council-stop-the-proposed-pspo-being-enforced-across-the-wirral