A consultation exercise has begun to seek people's views on how to tackle the problem of dog fouling in cemeteries and playing fields.

Officials from Hartlepool Borough Council are considering what action, if any, should be taken to restrict dog access to Stranton and West View Cemeteries, and Grayfields and Rift House recreation grounds.

They believe it is important to get the opinions of people both for and against restrictions, to help the council's cabinet reach a decision.

The council has three main options: ban dogs from the cemeteries and playing fields; only permit dogs on leads into these areas or leave things as they are.

Questionnaires are available from the Civic Centre reception, neighbourhood offices and libraries. People are asked to fill them in and return them by Friday.

There will also be a chance to comment when the council's Neighbourhood Consultative Forums next meet.

The North Neighbourhood Consultative Forum meets at West View Community Centre, in Miers Avenue, at 10am tomorrow.

The Central Neighbourhood Consultative Forum meets in the civic centre at 10am on Thursday, and the South Neighbourhood Consultative Forum meets at Owton Manor Community Centre, in Wynyard Road, at 10am on Friday .