Dog owners protest over beach ban

Dogs will be banned from the beach from 1 March

Angry pet owners are to stage a protest march against a year-long ban of dogs from a Northumberland beach.

The ban is being imposed after 500,000 tonnes of sand was transported to Newbiggin-by-the-sea to restore the eroded coastline.

Wansbeck Council said it would ensure a clean and nuisance-free environment.

Newbiggin Dog Action Group says it plans to stage the beach protest on 1 March - the day the enforcement order comes into force.

New sand was transported from Skegness, and a 200m breakwater was installed in the middle of Newbiggin Bay, along with a specially-commissioned piece of artwork, as part of a £10m revamp.

'Reasonable debate'

Wansbeck Council said was essential to maintain an area where families could enjoy amenities.

The Newbiggin Dog Action Group has the support of the Kennel Club in its protest.

Caroline Kisko of the Kennel Club, said: "The Kennel Club's dog owners' group, KC Dog, has been active in campaigning against this beach ban from the start

"The council has pressed ahead with enforcing the ban despite the flimsiness of their evidence and in spite of two petitions against the ban, one with over 1,000 signatories.

"This shows how unresponsive the council is not only to its electorate, but also to reasoned debate."

Earlier, Wansbeck Council's solicitor Carolyn Forster said: "The nuisance caused by irresponsible owners does not only present itself when dogs are on the beach - the effects of what they leave behind remain for many months afterwards."