ANIMAL lovers will be banned from walking their dogs around Clevedon's Marine Lake from April. New legislation will come into force from April 1 which will see all dogs banned from the bottom walkway around Marine Lake, Clevedon, and from Hardwick Road pl

ANIMAL lovers will be banned from walking their dogs around Clevedon's Marine Lake from April.New legislation will come into force from April 1 which will see all dogs banned from the bottom walkway around Marine Lake, Clevedon, and from Hardwick Road playing field, the parish football pitch and the Orchard, Watchhouse Hill, Easton-in-Gordano.Dogs will also be banned from the sports field, Bristol Road, Portishead, and from Rock Road and Hangstones playing fields in Yatton.Pet lovers will also be forced to keep their dogs on a lead in Easton-in-Gordano at Court Hay football pitch, Victoria Park, Lodway Cricket Club and the Rudgleigh Inn cricket ground.The new dog control orders for the district have been introduced as part of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005, due to the existing Dogs Fouling of Land Act being repealed. Pet owners could face a fine of up to £1,000 if they fail to remove dog faeces, don't keep their animal on a lead or take a dog on land where they are excluded.Alternatively there is the opportunity to pay a fixed penalty of £75 in place of prosecution.All tickets must be paid within 14 days of being issued and if paid within 10 days, will reduce to £50.Around 30 council officers have been trained and authorised to issue the fixed penalty notices.North Somerset executive member for environment and community, Councillor Deborah Yamanaka said: "Dog fouling is one of the most common complaints from residents."Most dog owners are very good but we have to take action where it is needed for the irresponsible minority.