The Chair thanked the Environmental Protection Service Lead and his team for their hard work.

Council considered a report by the Environmental Protection Service Lead (circulated previously) and the minute extract of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 13 November 2020 (circulated separately) regarding the Public Spaces Protection Orders Dog Control.

The Monitoring Officer confirmed that following the meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee he had sought clarification and advised that assistance dogs were not required to be registered with a member organisation of Assistance Dogs UK.

Councillor Chesters declared a personal interest as Chair of the Braunton Marsh Drainage Board.

In response to questions the Environmental Protection Service Lead advised that there were opportunities to work with Parish Councils and other partners to undertake enforcement duties on behalf of the Council subject to the appropriate scrutiny arrangements and training being provided.  Consistently worded signage would be placed along the Tarka Trail and all old signage would be replaced.  These costs would be met from existing resources.  The behaviour of cyclists using the Tarka Trail could be looked at separately.

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 13 November 2020 regarding Public Spaces Protection Orders Dog Control be approved.