A ban on dogs on Burnham-On-Sea’s main beach could be lifted over the winter months under new proposals from Sedgemoor District Council.
Dogs currently remain excluded all year round on Burnham’s main beach between the Jetty and The Pavilion.
However, the council has proposed that the ban is lifted over the winter months as it is difficult to enforce and there are few children playing on the beach there.
Dave Coles, Coastal and Environmental Protection Manager at Sedgemoor District Council, told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “We are considering modifying the winter-time ban on dogs for the main beach to make it more easily enforceable for us, more easier to understand for dog owners, and to reflect levels of winter use.”
He explained: “Over the summer, we have a ban on dogs across all of Burnham’s beach from Maddock’s Slade to the Sailing Club, but during the peak summer months we need a ban in the place when the beaches are so busy with families.”
“Over the winter, the main beach currently remains closed to dogs while the other two beaches either side are opened to dogs. Despite this, though, we see people walking their dogs into the banned area and it’s difficult for us to enforce because we don’t have beach wardens on duty over the winter.”
“Therefore, fully removing the dogs ban on all beaches over the winter is being considered. It would be easier to understand and enforce.”
“We would still take action against dog fouling and anti-social dog ownership issues whenever necessary.”
The council is keen to receive feedback on the proposals from beach users and residents. Comments can be sent to: environmental.services@sedgemoor.gov.uk
