DOGS will be banned from an Aberystwyth tourist attraction after councillors heard that loose canines and dog mess were “ruining the area”.

The town council has decided that dogs will not be allowed on the grounds of its much-maligned rope maze on Queen’s Road - which cost tax-payers over £6,000 - after hearing of an incident of dogs “jumping on children” and maintenance workers labelling the amount of dog mess on the grounds as a “health and safety hazard”.

Councillors heard, in a letter from Sarah Riley of Aberystwyth, that a visit to the labyrinth with her eight-year-old son had to be cut short after two dogs off their leads were “jumping all over” the boy.

In her letter, read out by Mayor Cllr Endaf Edwards, Sarah said the pair “felt very unsafe” and “had no choice but to leave”.

“We would appreciate a sign that dogs need to be kept on a lead.

“It would also help with the dog fouling problem that is happening there.”

Councillors went one step further and agreed to ban dogs from the site and look into buying a sign to that effect.

Cllr Mark Strong said: “When I went down there last I counted three or four lots of dog mess.

“Most people are responsible, but unfortunately some are not.

“I am sorry that this incident has happened, but we must make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Cllr Wendy Morris said that “no dogs at all” should be allowed.

“It’s a family area and banning all dogs would solve all these problems,” she said.

Councillors all voted in favour of banning dogs.

The council’s finance committee will be tasked with obtaining quotes for the signs.

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