Dog owners protest at leash rules

Dog owners are due to gather on the beach at Weston-super-Mare to protest against new rules which will prevent dogs being allowed onto the sand.

North Somerset Council has voted to ban dogs between the Grand Pier and Royal Sands to prevent faeces being left in places where children play.

Dog owners who let their pets off the lead on the beach risk a £75 fine.

The rules - which come into force on 11 April - are designed to protect the tourism industry economy.

Easter Sunday's protest is the second held by dog owners on Weston sea front.

Organisers say about 250 people and their pets turned up to the first one to protest that the rules are unfair as they are year-round rather than specific to the summer season.