Dogs will not be allowed off a lead on Lyme Regis beach in winter months

Available for over a year

Dorset Council has attempted to simplify the rules relating to dogs on beaches and in restricted areas across the county. This week the local authority agreed changes to a Public Spaces Protection Order. During a public consultation, harmonisation of a beach exclusion period received significant support. But the new rules mean dogs won’t be allowed off the lead on Lyme Regis main beach at the front at any time of the year. In the west Dorset town, dogs will be excluded between 1st May and 30th September from next year and will be required to be on a lead at all other times. Dogs will also be excluded from marked sports pitches and recreation areas, and enclosed children’s play areas. The changes were agreed by Dorset Council Cabinet on 6 October 2020.The Order will be made in the next week, but is then subject to an appeal period of 6 weeks. (can only appeal on certain factors and it is directly to the High Court). The timeline is for the Order to be enacted before 31st December 2020. We will be updating this website with the details. The current rules apply until it is superseded by the new ones. BBC Radio Solent reporter Laurence Herdman went to Lyme Regis to investigate.