PLANS to fine dog walkers who keep their pets off the lead on Telscombe Tye have been dropped.

This follows a public consultation from Lewes District Council over the introduction of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) amid concerns of sheep worrying. 

Figures released by the council reveal that 72 per cent of respondents rejected the proposals.

A spokesman from Lewes District Council said :"Having considered the findings from the recent consultation on the Telscombe Tye, the council will be not be introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order at this time.

"However, the situation will be kept under close and constant review.  In liaison with Sussex Police, inspections and patrols by the council’s Neighbourhood First team will be increased at the start of the lambing season."

The most common reason people gave for rejecting the proposals was "there is not enough evidence to support this proposal". 

The proposals followed claims by the deputy mayor of Telscombe, councillor Tim Armour, who said one third of his community flock of sheep were killed by dog attacks in a single year. 

Cllr Tim Armour sits on Telscombe Town Council’s policy and resources committee which originally proposed fining dog walkers who have their pets off the lead on Telscombe Tye.

The council spokesman said: "If at any point new evidence of attacks on sheep is found, the council will consider introducing a PSPO as a matter of urgency.

"The council will also look at increasing signage at access points onto Telscombe Tye and community information about the countryside code."