Dog walkers in Formby have been left furious after being slapped with fines from wardens who they say 'hide in bushes' to catch people out.
But enforcement firm NSL firmly denies its officers have kept out of sight, and says they act appropriately when approaching dog walkers on Duke Street park.
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An NSL spokesman said: “It is absolutely untrue that Civil Enforcement Officers have concealed themselves in order to issue Fixed Penalty Notices at Duke Street.
"Body Worn Video footage demonstrates this unequivocally. We have complied with all proper procedures and acted lawfully and appropriately.”
The fines follow the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) relating to dogs in July 2017.
Some Formby dog walkers say the rules haven't been enforced until recently - and that there aren't enough signs, so people don't know where they can and can't take dogs.
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Luke Bidwell, who is originally from Formby but now lives in Newcastle, says he was walking his dog on the park as he always does when he comes back to visit family, when he was confronted by a man 'hiding in the bushes'.
He said: "He had been waiting there to catch someone out.
"I've emailed the council and NSL to appeal, and I've sent loads of photos of the lack of signage, but I've heard nothing.
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"I came on via the entrance near the bowling club on Phillips Lane and I saw no signs at all."
Luke says he was given a £50 fine - which he was told would be increased to £75 if not paid within 10 days.
Jay Mangan, who lives near the park, says he was given an on the spot fine by a female officer. He said: "I asked her why I was being fined and even she didn't seem to know. She had to look online to find the PSPO document.
"She suggested I read it myself. I have done and I'm still none the wiser.
"I think it is shocking that there is not a sign at each entrance. The first I'd heard of it is when a warden sprung out of a brush to give me a fine."
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One Formby woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, says there is too much confusion - and that there should be a 'bedding in' period for the rules.
She said: "I have read the one and only sign I've seen - by the tennis courts - and I'm still a little confused. It mentions seasonal pitches and I don't know when that refers to or what it really means.
"Lots of people are in the same boat and there are many fines being handed out, seemingly by officers who creep up on people."
It's not the first time there have been complaints about the controversial PSPO.
In January, a Bootle nan was fined for walking her dog near her house because enforcement officers 'told her the lead was too long '.
Maureen Sanders, 80, was walking her rescue dog Soren around Bootle Cemetery when she went to leave but was stopped by the officers.
Maureen said she 'cried all night' after receiving the penalty notice - which was later withdrawn by Sefton Council .
A spokesman for the council said: "We actively encourage good dog ownership and introduced the PSPO in 2017 to support this, following detailed and extensive consultation with the public.
"The order has been widely advertised in the local press, online and via the Local Authority's own social media channels, while thousands of signs have been placed in parks, cemeteries, coastal areas and along main roads throughout the borough.
"Traffic light style signage clearly details which areas are designated as either off-lead, on-lead or no dog zones.
"If in doubt of the rules, dog owners can easily check details of the PSPO online at sefton.gov.uk/gooddogcode .
"Failure to comply with the Order can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75."
