RULES have come into force that mean anyone who has a dog that fouls the ground in a Thurrock cemetery without the owner cleaning up - or is the dog is allowed off the leash - faces a £100 fixed penalty notcie.

A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is now in place and Thurrock Council's cambiner member for transport and public safety, Cllr Ben Maney, says: "We know the vast majority of dog owners are entirely responsible but it is only right we ask, out of respect for our cemeteries and the mourners attending them, that all dogs are kept on a lead and that their owners pick-up after them. This PSPO gives our enforcement officers the powers they need to tackle anyone who allows their dog to run free in a cemetery or worse still, fails to clear up after them."

Environment portfolio holder Cllr Andrew Jefferies, says: "Our cemeteries are not only beautiful open spaces they are a place for people to mourn, reflect and remember the lives' of loved ones. We understand that most dog walkers are entirely respectful of that and we hope this order will help us to ensure that our cemeteries remain a peaceful sanctuary where people can remember those they have lost."

The PSPO came into force on Friday, 3 February and requires owners to remove any dogs mess left by their pets and to ensure that dogs are on a leash at all times in the borough's cemeteries.

It can be viewed online at: thurrock.gov.uk/public-space-protection-orders/overview