DOGS could be banned from some of Wirral’s most popular beaches.
Owners may be barred from taking their pets on to the beach during the summer months, possibly from May to September, under new council plans.
Concerns about dog fouling, Wirral’s reputation as a tourist destination and the state of the coastline are behind the move.
A new report, which will be considered by a Wirral Council committee later this month, said officials would have to prove it was a proportionate way of dealing with problems caused by dogs.
New Brighton councillor Sue Taylor said: “Dog fouling is a nightmare all along the promenade - half of my correspondence is about this.
“In theory, I would support the dog bans on beaches but really I don’t know how it would be enforced; the cost involved would be huge.
“There are three dog wardens on Wirral at the moment yet there is still the problem of dog fouling. I think educating people to pick up after their dogs should be the focus rather than imposing a dog ban.”
The move would cover Wirral’s main bathing beaches in West Kirby, New Brighton’s Harrison Drive and Moreton.
Recreational beaches in Thurstaston, Caldy, Red Rocks, Hilbre, Hoylake, Meols, Leasowe and Egremont would also be affected.
In the 1990s, a ban was tried out in West Kirby, but enforcement difficulties and lack of interest saw it abandoned after two years.
Councillors will discuss the proposal on Thursday, September 25.
Past few years, I dont think Ive ever seen people "Bathing" on Wirrals beaches anyway, except for West Kirby, and weve called that Shit Beach as it is.
It's the minority that spoil it for the majority once again! I always have poo bags with me and use them. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen a dog owner just walk off after their dog has pooped. I usually go after them waving a poo bag shouting "coooooeeeeeeeeeeeee do you need a bag for that". Sometimes they are grateful, but the majority give you a mouthful of abuse!!
I'd gladly issue fines free of charge if it meant I could still take Tarot on the beach and none of this "up to £1000" - make it £1000 on the nose!!
Makes me bloody mad
Sometimes Police Officers give more than just speeding tickets!
It�s hard to be fit as a fiddle when you�re shaped like a cello!
I agree PaganJay - another case of the minority spoiling it for the majority. They've had this law down in Devon for many years now. I'm not sure how it is managed. Admittedly the beaches down there do get far more people on them than here but the principle is still the same - there are those that expect others to clear up after their dogs! Most people respect the fact that they can't walk their dogs on the beach during these times (horses are also banned incidently), the few that do ignore are probably the ones that caused the ban to be brought in in the first place.
I don't think a ban would be effective and be a waste of money.
Spend it on more bins instead
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what an absolute joke, if it comes intoplay then I'm going down new brighton and having a turd on the beach.
right behind you bud spreading the shite too. What a joke, just because a few selfish people dont pick up their own dog shit other will suffer lol. joke.
Should they ban all boats from the ocean too, they do far more damage to our beaches with the oil they loose.
Who ever is running this town/place/contry needs to get a grip and f##k off
Uncertainty or not knowing causes depression, Im happy because I know I'm going to die one day!