COLOUR-CODED areas are to be introduced in a recently revamped park.

Albert Park, in Middlesbrough, is being divided into red, amber and green areas as part of a 12-week experiment.

Dog owners will be asked to keep their dogs out of red areas, covering play and picnic areas and the interiors of buildings. The only exception to the rule will be guide dogs.

In amber areas, covering the park's main footpaths and sports and events areas, dogs will have to be kept on a lead at all times.

The main open areas of the park will be green coded. These are sections of the park where pets will be allowed off their leads.

Colour-coded layouts of the park are being installed at every entrance to the park. Coloured posts within the park will identify the different areas.

"Albert Park is a place for everyone to enjoy, but there has to be give and take between all kinds of users,'' said Councillor Dave Budd, executive member for the environment on Middlesbrough Council.

"While we welcome responsible dog owners to the park, we hope they'll accept there are certain areas where dogs have to be under control and others where they shouldn't go at all.''

The initiative by Middlesbrough Council has received the backing of the National Canine Defence League (NCDL).

Denise Gilgallon, the league's North-East campaigns manager, said: "The NCDL fully supports Middlesbrough Council on this new initiative.

The traffic light scheme is encouraging responsible dog ownership and we are more than happy to work with the council on such schemes.''