Off-lead dog ban considered for popular beach

Dog owners could be forced to keep their dogs on leads during the summer months on one of Northumberland's most popular beaches.

Beadnell Parish Council is considering introducing new rules which would ban dogs from being let off their leads between May and September.

At the council's last meeting, it was agreed to approach Northumberland County Council and the Northumberland Coast National Landscape for advice on the decision.

However, it is understood no decision is likely to be made until later in the year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A spokeswoman for the council said the idea was in its "preliminary stages".

"Assuming we get some hot summer days, the number of dogs is crazy," she said.

"Dogs running around can be quite frightening to children, and disruptive. We do have some dog fouling issues too."

Most beaches in Northumberland are dog-friendly all year round.

However, the National Trust asks owners to keep their dogs on a short lead at all times during the shore-bird breeding season, particularly around the Long Nanny site north of Beadnell Bay.

Dog owners are also advised not to let their dog off the lead if they cannot be immediately recalled, and to keep their pets within sight.

There are already seasonal bans on some sections of the beach at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and Blyth.

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