Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is considering new measures to keep local public spaces free from dog fouling with the implementation of tougher new orders.

The authority is seeking to replace the current Dog Control Orders, which expire in October this year, with Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) requiring people to keep their dogs under control and to pick up after them.

The Orders cover, but are not limited to, parks, public gardens and open spaces including land owned by town and parish councils, cemeteries, footpaths, footways and highways.

If agreed, the PSPO will take effect from October so there will be no gap in the protection they provide. The Order will be in place for a period of three years.

Councillor Mike Bowen, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Everyone should be able to enjoy public spaces which are free from dog fouling and where dogs are kept under control so they don't cause a nuisance to other people.

"The Dog Control Orders which are currently in place to give the Council the powers to enforce this are set to expire later this year and, in any case, they have now been replaced by the ability to introduce PSPOs.

"We are therefore giving notice that it is the Council's intention to discharge the dog orders and, at the same time, introduce the PSPO so we are not left with any gaps in provision.

"This does not alter our position on enforcing the orders and people can be reassured that we will continue to patrol our public spaces to keep them clean and pleasant for everyone. We will not hesitate to issue fixed penalty fines to people who don't comply with the orders."

PSPOs are intended to deal with nuisance or problems in an area that cause harm to the quality of life of the local community.

The power to make a PSPO was given to District Councils by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Before making an order, the council must consult with the local chief officer of police, and the local policing body; community representatives; and the owner or occupier of land within the restricted area. The Council must also notify the County Council and Parish (Town) Council of the proposed order.

The Council can make a PSPO on any public space within the area if it is satisfied that the activities carried out, or likely to be carried out, in a public space:

• Have had, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality

• Is, or is likely to be, persistent or continuing in nature

• Is, or is likely to be, unreasonable

• Justifies the restrictions imposed

The PSPO can prohibit people from doing certain things in an area, requires specified things to be done by persons carrying on specified activities in an area, or do both of those things. A PSPO can last for up to three years but this time period can be extended if necessary.