Controversial plans to remove the summertime ban on dog walking on part of Burnham-On-Sea’s beach have been thrown out by councillors this week following complaints from residents.
The Town Council debated whether the seasonal ban on dogs between The Pavilion and Maddock’s Slade should be removed to make the town more ‘dog-friendly’ to encourage more visitors.
Currently, there is a year-round ban on dogs on Burnham’s main beach between the jetty and pier (pictured right) while the area north of the pier has a summer ban.
Since Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported on the plans to lift the ban last month, 15 residents have written to the council protesting against the proposals.
Cllr Louise Parkin, who put forward the changes, withdrew the proposal during Monday’s council meeting.
She said: “In light of the backlash against this motion I will withdraw my proposition. The idea was brought to me by members of the public and Sedgemoor District Council’s Clean Surroundings team. However, what we have at present is not working and has never worked.”
Burnham resident Tom Ashton, who is a director with Somerset Tourism Association, told this week’s meeting: “I have spoken to around 100 local guesthouse owners, holiday site owners and members of the public and found only one person in favour of relaxing the dog beach ban in Burnham. The proposal would be ludicrous and I am relieved the council’s motion has been withdrawn.”
Another resident, Mike Murphy, added: “I’m fully against allowing dogs on any part of our beach. They are always a risk to children when faeces are left behind. It would be a serious, negative step backwards to lift the summertime ban.”
And Ian Jefferies, Business and Tourism Manager at BIARS, the group that runs Burnham’s tourist information centre, agreed: “My concern is that having more dogs on our beaches won’t help raise our sea water standards, which is so important when the EU’s new stringent checks are due to come into force next year.”
Cllr Ken Smout added: “Dog fouling on our beaches does contribute to our sea water quality, according to the Environment Agency. I’m not against dogs, just irresponsible owners. We should be doing everything possible to preserve Burnham’s beaches.”
And Cllr Helen Groves added: “I welcome the withdrawal of the proposal. Many concerned parents have been in contact since the proposals were first discussed last month.”
Cllr Bill Hancock told the meeting: “There is a lot of confusion about where and when the different dog bans are in force on the beach and I’d like to see a complete dog ban 12 months a year.”
But Cllr Neville Jones cautioned against any radical changes, advising that discussions should be held with Sedgemoor District Council, especially regarding an improved beach warden service to combat the problem of dog fouling.
The proposal to lift the seasonal ban on dogs between The Pavilion and Maddock’s Slade was withdrawn and unanimously agreed by councillors. Further discussions are to be held with Sedgemoor District Council on beach wardens and the matter will come back to the Town Projects Committee.
