ORDERS banning dogs from a total of 21 areas across West Somerset have had to go back to the drawing board after an error was discovered in the legal wording - 20 months after they came into force.

The dog exclusion orders took effect in March last year after West Somerset Council had to update existing legislation following the introduction of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act.

Consultations were held and, in the main, the results backed up the vast majority of orders already in place, meaning little change for dog owners.

But now the district council has had to admit that it will have to go through the entire process again.

The problem emerged after the legal status of an order banning dogs from the playing fields and pitches in Watchet's Memorial Ground was called into question.

Watchet Town Council, which brought in the order, abandoned an attempt to prosecute local woman Hester Groves for failing to pay a fixed penalty notice after it emerged that the wording on its order was incorrect.

District council spokesman Stacey Beaumont said the authority had taken advice on its orders, which cover areas ranging from Blenheim Gardens and Culvercliffe children's play area in Minehead to Dunster Village Gardens and the Junior Playing Field in Carhampton.

"But unfortunately there was a slight error in the wording," she said.

"The exclusion orders were only introduced after full consultation, which sought the views of the public and relevant local authorities and the orders reflected the majority view at that time."

Ms Beaumont said the district council would shortly go out to full consultation again to ensure that people and authorities could have their say on the exclusion orders.

"We hope that people will make their views known to us so that we can ensure future orders are an accurate reflection of the needs of their communities."

Orders requiring dogs on leads, fouling laws and other matters are not affected by the wording error.

Meanwhile, town councillors in Watchet were due to hold an extraordinary meeting last night (Thursday) to formally adopt an amended dog exclusion order, correcting the wrong wording on the original legislation to ensure it can be enforced.

The authority, apparently, does not need to go out to consultation before making the changes.

Councillors were also expected - behind closed doors - to discuss the legal advice they received in respect of the failed prosecution.

On Monday the council will meet again for its regular monthly meeting where it will consider a motion put forward by Cllr Mike Whetlor to take steps to review the dog exclusion order on the Memorial Ground.