DOG owners in Honiton have scored a victory against proposed new legislation by persuading Honiton Town Council to call for a six-month deferral.

DOG owners in Honiton have scored a victory against proposed new legislation - by persuading Honiton Town Council to call for a six-month deferral.East Devon District Council is considering imposing a Dog Control Order at the Glen, in Honiton, which would require dogs to be kept on leads at the beauty spot.The control order could be imposed from June, but the newly-formed Honiton Canine Friendship Group has offered to police the Glen and to clean up after irresponsible dog owners.Ursula Squire, who is a member of the group's 12-strong steering committee, told councillors at a meeting on Monday that "many people are prepared to be foot soldiers".Volunteers would also police Allhallows Playing Field - even though it has been removed from the district's hit list.Former mayor Councillor Vernon Whitlock described Mrs Squire's presentation as "eloquent" and said a public meeting, organised by protesting dog owners, had attracted a large turnout.Funding may be available to promote the group's work, he added.Councillor Dianne Morgan said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for a vast improvement in Honiton."But Councillor Sharon Holloway, a young mum, said she would back the control order if pet owners did not show greater consideration to people with young children.Some councillors cast doubt on the district authority's ability to properly police any control order at the Glen.The town council is to write to EDDC, calling for the proposed control order to be deferred - to see how effective the policing scheme is.