A TOTAL ban on dogs in Pendle's cemeteries could be imposed to stop them fouling on graves.

Last night councillors on the Nelson Committee decided to refer a decision to the authority's overview and scrutiny committee to discuss the possibility on imposing the blanket ban.

It follows calls from mosques in the area to build a fence around the Muslim burial section in Nelson Cemetery to keep out fouling dogs. However, community leaders said the problem was not restricted to that area and they would be happy if dogs were kept

out of the Walton Lane burial ground.

At the meeting in the town hall, Coun Mohammed Munir - who wants a total ban on dogs - said the issue affected everyone and fencing specific areas was not the answer.

He said: "Cemeteries are not places for particular races or particular people. They are places for all people to go to visit their loved ones and dogs fouling is unacceptable."

Following a public meeting in August to discuss the Muslim burial section at the cemetery it was recommended to fenced it off.

The area committee then considered asking the executive pass a bylaw banning dogs and for a comprehensive review of the problem of dogs, fencing and the possibility of "dog grids" being installed.

However, John Kirk, director of services at the council said a bylaw banning dogs could not be restricted to specific areas and would have to be borough wide.

Today Coun Mohammed Iqbal said he was against a total ban but welcomed the decision.

He added: "The issue needs to be looked at in more detail but I feel a total ban would be unfair against genuine people who keep dogs on their lead when they visit their loved ones."