DOG owners have sent a petition to Darlington Council protesting at new signs threatening £500 fines if dogs are not kept on leads.

The 24-signature petition relates to signs which have been erected in the Pierremont Road to Cockerton stretch of the town's Dene.

A letter accompanying the petition, it stated: "We are all responsible dog owners using this area to exercise our well behaved dogs, who just wish to socialise with each other.

"We have used this area for decades with no problems and feel it is a gross curtailment of our leisure enjoyment."

However, a spokesman for the council explained that the Dene, which runs from North Road to Cockerton, is split into six areas, two of which include play areas where no dogs are allowed, two are free-roam areas, where dogs can be let off the lead, and two where dogs on leads are allowed.

"The Pierremont Road to Cockerton village section is a dogs on leads area and has been for a long time. The area has new signs saying the maximum fine for anyone whose dog is off the lead is £500," she explained..

"Before, the signs indicated the minimum penalty, which is £50. If the new signs with the £500 maximum penalty are causing alarm among dog walkers, we are happy to look at it again."

She added that the two areas of the Dene which are free roam areas, where dogs can be let off the lead, include the section near Brook Terrace, and the Willow Road to Hollyhurst Road section.