Public outcry over a new rule which will force dogs to be on leashes in John Coles Park will be postponed.

The new rule, which received the ire of dog walkers, which would come into force on November 1 but has been pushed back by Chippenham Town Council.

The council said due to ‘extensive public feedback’ the future of the ruling will be considered at the next full council meeting on Wednesday, November 25.

At the meeting, the town council will be asked to throw out the rule that would mean all dogs must be leashed in John Coles Park.

A council spokesman said the authority ‘will be seeking the views of all interested parties’.

They added that the proper democratic process was followed and that the rule was implemented after the council has received ‘many complaints’ over the years about dogs in the park.

“These have included children and adults being knocked over which has resulted in children being frightened of loose dogs and an elderly lady breaking her hip, dogs eating food from picnics and vicious attacks on other dogs,” the council said.

“These situations have been managed on an individual basis but continue to happen.”

In September, the Amenities, Culture and Leisure committee debated and voted in favour of a report concerning the current rules in John Coles Park for dogs.