Beach dog walking ban is reviewed

Dog owners are being given a 'second chance'

A year-round ban on walking dogs on part of Weston-super-Mare's beach is set to be lifted.

The controversial ban was introduced in March, and prompted a series of protest rallies from dog owners who said it was unfair.

The new Conservative administration running North Somerset Council said it planned to allow dog walking in winter, from October onwards.

Cllr Carl Francis-Pester said owners were being given a "second chance".

"We understand the reason for the previous ban and accept that we cannot allow our beaches to be fouled," he said.

"However, we have received assurances from dog owners that they will respect this need and will self-police the clearing of dog litter if permission to exercise their dogs on a portion of the beach is reintroduced.

"We have therefore agreed to consider giving them a second chance, on the understanding that if fouling problems reoccur then the ban will be reinstated immediately with no opportunity for a reprieve."