» Dog ban drop
The city council has backtracked over plans to ban dogs from all beaches during the summer.
Following a long campaign against the proposals and a petition which was signed by 2,500 people, the council’s new cabinet voted not to go ahead with the scheme.
The city will retain its dog friendly beaches, while dogs will continue to be banned from the busiest beaches for the summer months as they are already. Dogs are allowed on any beach in winter.
Cllr Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We wanted to hear people’s views on this issue and we are delighted so many people responded.
“The council has listened to people and, as a result, we have decided to keep the existing system of allowing dogs on some of our beaches between May and September. However, our most central and busiest beaches will remain dog free throughout the summer months.”
New dog control orders will come into force which compel owners to keep dogs on leads on the promenade.
Cllr Theobald said: “We want everyone to enjoy our beaches and we hope dog owners, who responded so strongly to the consultation, will play their part by clearly sticking to the dog friendly beaches and clearing up any mess.”
Karl Lester, who led the Barking Mad campaign against the ban, sadly lost his dog Oscar on 30 May when he was run over by a car. Karl said:
“As you can imagine I am devastated, but also pleased and proud of what we achieved together. My heartfelt thanks to all who took the time to send messages of love and support to me during this difficult time and a big ‘well done’ to all who worked so hard to get these stupid proposals overturned.“
