MEASURES controlling dogs and restricting street drinking in Wyre Forest are set to expire this year.

Wyre Forest District Council has launched a series of online surveys, asking residents' views on existing Public Spaces Protection Orders which give officers legal powers to tackle issues concerning dogs - including fouling, keeping pets on leads and excluding them from certain areas - and street drinking in Bewdley and Stourport town centres.

The council is proposing to extend these measures for a further three years, and is also urging residents to have their say on proposed new rules, which could see a limit placed on the number of dogs a person can walk at one time.

Lead controls are also proposed around Stackpool in Springfield Park and Hurcott Pool in Hurcott Woods.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Hurcott Woods. Photo by Angie Gibbs/Advertiser and Shuttle Camera ClubHurcott Woods. Photo by Angie Gibbs/Advertiser and Shuttle Camera Club

Another two separate surveys look at extending powers to order people causing problems while drinking to dispose of their alcohol.

Kidderminster’s order covering alcohol restrictions in the town centre was extended for a further three years in August 2018 and runs until 2021.

At the moment, people who fail to hand over or dispose of alcohol when ordered to do so face on-the-spot fines of up top to £100, or up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

Councillor Helen Dyke, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for community protection, said: “It’s really important residents have their say on our Public Spaces Protection Orders which are set to expire in October 2020.

“These are matters that local people care about very much - we know from previous surveys that the public wants us to focus our energies on creating a safe, clean and green living environment for all.

“We will continue to work with our local community on these priority areas.

"This involves promoting, educating and working with local people, but taking action against the small minority of people who refuse to work with us and spoil the quality of life of the vast majority of our residents.

“I urge everyone to have their say."

To fill in the surveys, go to wyreforestdc.gov.uk/pspo. The deadline for responses is Friday, June 12.