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Dog ban on Blue Flag beaches under review

BBC A woman with grey hair and glasses, walking a grey dog and a black dog on a lead, stands on the road at the edge of a beach. It is a sunny day but she is wearing a windproof coat, jeans and hiking boots. BBC
Sue Thorpe agrees with the ban, but would like to see better signage

People are being asked whether a ban on dogs on some beaches in Lincolnshire should be extended.

East Lindsey District Council is reassessing its Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which covers beaches in Mablethorpe, Skegness, and Sutton on Sea during the summer months.

The council said the ban, which is due to expire in November, was an important factor in keeping beaches clean.

Residents have been invited to take part in a consultation, which closes on 30 September.

Clive Leeson smiles into the camera. He has short, grey hair and is wearing a navy hooded zip-up top and dark-rimmed glasses.
Clive Leeson believes it is important to keep beaches clean

Dog-owner Clive Leeson, from Mablethorpe, described the restrictions as "important", adding: "Children shouldn’t be exposed to dogs and their mess."

The ban was introduced in October 2017 to “foster responsible dog ownership” and runs on specified beaches from 1 May to 30 September.

Those who ignore it risk being fined up to £1,000.

A public notice sign on a lamppost at a beach in Sutton on Sea. It reads: "Public notice, no dogs on beach, 1st May - 30th September, maximum penalty £1,000."
A sign announcing the ban at Sutton on Sea

The council has launched an online consultation on whether to renew the ban for the next three years.

Sue Thorpe, a fellow dog-owner, said she agreed with the ban but would like signs to be clearer.

"You can’t see where it changes [on the beach], so you get people, not by their own choice, getting in trouble," she added.

A man wearing a green baseball cap, blue zip up jacket and striped shirt smiles for a photograph.
Dean Radford believes most dog-owners act responsibly

Dean Radford questioned whether a ban was necessary.

“If owners pick up the mess, dogs should be allowed everywhere along the beach,” he said.

“Walking along the beach, I’ve seen no dog mess. I think most people are responsible – is there a need for the ban?”

Mablethorpe, Skegness and Sutton on Sea all have Blue Flag beaches, with cleanliness among the criteria.

Councillor Martin Foster, portfolio holder for environmental services at the council, said: “The economy on the coast is reliant on tourism.

"The Blue Flag is internationally recognised as a clean area where people can take their families, knowing it’s going to be well looked after.

“We don’t want to impose this sort of regulation but unfortunately, due to one or two people, we have to put this sort of control in.”

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