MEASURES to control dogs at a Colchester sports ground have been delayed.

Discussions began about banning dogs from at Mill Road Sports Ground in north Colchester or keeping them on leads almost a year ago.

However, they have not been implemented yet.

A public consultation was launched in December by Colchester Council to understand users’ experiences and views about potentially restricting dog owners’ usage to certain areas of the sports ground.

In August, it was decided by the council that an order would be implemented.

Then Colchester Council consulted on the terms and whether this would include banning dogs from the pitch area of the sports ground, ensuring dogs are kept on a lead on all non-pitch areas and allowing dog owners who do not pick up after their pet to be punished.

The second consultation finished last month.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said no public space protection order has been implemented as yet with responses still being considered.

The suggestion came following a number of complaints about the amount of dogs’ mess on sports pitches used by various teams.