Dogs would have to be kept on leads between Sandown and Walmer castles if tough new proposals to combat dog fouling go ahead.

The proposals also include dogs being banned from all enclosed play parks in the district and kept on leads in certain cemeteries and memorial gardens and.

The district council wants to bring in the new rules in Deal and Walmer, St Margaret’s and Dover. A by-law already exists in Deal between Sandown Castle and Deal Castle and in St Margaret’s in the beach hut area.

The current seasonal ban on beaches at Deal, St Margaret’s and Dover will continue.

If the new rules, under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act, are approved, failure to obey them could result in a fixed penalty notice of £50 to £80.

Environmental protection manager Paul Neagle and environmental crime team leader Andrzej Kluczynski attended a Deal Town Council meeting on Monday, to get views and ideas from councillors.

Cllr Wayne Elliott said: “They’re asking councillors to suggest play areas where dogs should be banned. It’s because of dog fouling. People are genuinely concerned about it.”

He added: “Last summer along the promenade, I witnessed a dog off its lead and it knocked two children off their bikes.

“I think this by-law would be a good idea.”

The district council must first complete at least 28 days of public consultation. You can give your views in an online survey at www.dover.gov.uk/Environment/Environmental-Crime/Dog-Control-Order.aspx