The new Public Spaces Protection Order regarding access for dogs has now been implemented across the district.

The order, which came into play on Monday, replaces several out of date by-laws and creates a more comprehensive and consistent approach when dealing with issues such as dog fouling, keeping dogs on leads and excluding dogs from specified areas.

Many previous rules still apply, such as dogs must be kept on leads at all times on the promenade and off the beach between May and September between 9am and 8pm, from Sandown Castle to Deal Castle.

But some new guidelines have been put in place including dogs on leads are now welcome on Deal Pier.

Steven Colburn, who formed Deal Dog Community in July 2014, enjoyed a quiet celebration of his dogs’ rights to roam with a stroll along the landmark and breakfast outside Jasin’s Restaurant, on Monday.

He said: “It’s been a great day. There’s just people wandering up the pier with their dogs, not knowing that they were ever banned.

“It has put the district in line with the rest of Kent. It really does promote the town as a really dog friendly place.”

Deal Dog Community, which has almost 1,000 members, has produced a set of rules for dog owners using the pier, which have been passed by the Environmental Team at Dover District Council and also Dover Property Services that run and maintain the pier.

Mr Colburn said: “This is Deal Dog Community offering an olive branch to anglers to show how we can work together.”

The poster appears at the entrance of the pier and politely asks owners, when using the pier, to keep their pets on short leads, ensure they have been to the toilet before entering it, to clean up after them (waste bags are available from the attendant’s office), to refrain from taking them on the lower deck and to ensure they have left before dark.

There is also a recommendation of a £1 donation per visit to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Mr Colburn said: “We have gained the pier but we also have to remember that we have lost a little bit of Walmer Green.”

Dogs must now be kept on leads on Walmer Green from May 1 to September 30 between the hours of 9am and 8pm.

For full details visit www.dover.gov.uk/Environment/Environmental-Crime/Public-Spaces-Protection-Order