Beach ban for dogs is under fire

Jan 14 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

A BLANKET ban on dog lovers being allowed to exercise their pets on a newly-created Northumberland beach could be given the go-ahead this week – despite growing opposition.

Council bosses want to make the recently-replenished beach at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea a dog-free zone throughout the year so that the sands are kept clean and safe for families to enjoy.

But the move has sparked widespread anger among local dog owners, who have collected a protest petition signed by more than 1,000 people.

Now Wansbeck Labour MP Denis Murphy, who helped secure the £10m in Defra funding which paid for the new 300m-long beach, has backed claims that the proposed ban is too severe.

On Thursday, Wansbeck Council’s regulatory committee will be recommended to introduce a control order banning dogs from the beach on any day of the year. The plan also involves a separate order banning anyone from taking more than six dogs on to the village promenade.

But Mr Murphy is urging the council not to enforce a ban on dogs during the winter months, when he says the beach is the ideal place for such activities.

He said: “I understand that the council and residents wish to see the new beach kept clean for everyone to enjoy. Responsible dog owners should be able to use the beach during the winter, and irresponsible owners who don’t clean up after their pets should be prosecuted.”

Officers have made the recommendation after studying the responses to a formal month-long consultation exercise on the controversial plan.

If approved, the orders will come into force in March. Anyone caught flouting the new orders will be given a £75 fine and prosecuted if they fail to pay.

Caretaker Colin Hawkshaw, 35, of Meldon Terrace, Newbiggin, who exercises his West Highland terrier on the beach and organised the protest petition, is calling for a compromise which would allow part of the beach to be set aside for use by owners and their dogs.