Views are being sought on whether beach bans on dogs along Suffolk's coast should be changed.
A number of popular beaches, including those at Felixstowe, Southwold and Lowestoft, have seasonal restrictions governing when people can and cannot take their pets onto the shore - keeping the most popular areas free of dogs during the busy summer months.
The rules are contained in 13 Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) managed by East Suffolk Council.
Now all 13 of the PSPOs, which were adopted in 2020, are being proposed for renewal without any alteration to existing restrictions for a further three years.
People can have their say on the proposed renewals by emailing environmental.protection@eastsuffolk.gov.uk by 5pm on January 8, 2023.
East Suffolk’s cabinet member for the environment, James Mallinder said: "East Suffolk is a dog-friendly district, and we recognise that most dog owners are responsible about the impact their dogs can have on others and the environment.
"Keeping your dog on a lead means everyone, with or without a dog, can enjoy spending time in public spaces.
"As always, we would remind dog walkers to make sure they clear up after their dog and dispose of the waste in the nearest litter bin.”
Current PSPOs up for consultation:
Felixstowe
- Exclusion of dogs from Felixstowe Beach
The order applies to the beach between the Spa Pavilion and Arwela Road at all times of the day and night from May 1 to September 30.
Southwold
- Exclusion of dogs from Southwold Beach
The order applies to all of Southwold Beach at all times of the day and night through April, May, June, July, August and September.
- Dogs on Leads on Southwold Promenade
The order applies within the restricted area at all times of the day and night.
Lowestoft
- Exclusion of Dogs from Lowestoft Beach
The order applies to the beach at Lowestoft from the south pier, for its entire length southward to a point adjacent to the CEFAS building, day and night from May 1 to September 30.
- Dogs on Leads on Lowestoft Promenade
The order applies to Lowestoft upper promenade from the Claremont pier southwards to Kensington Road, and also to the Lowestoft lower promenade from south pier to its termination east of All Saints Road, Pakefield, day and night.
Corton
- Dogs on Corton Beach
The order applies to Corton Beach from a point adjacent to Baker’s Score, southwards to a point adjacent to Tibenham’s Score, day and night May 1 to September 30.
Carlton Marshes nature reserve
- Dogs exclusion & dogs on leads
The order applies to part of the land known as Carlton Marshes nature reserve, situated between the A146 Beccles Road and Oulton Dyke, day and night.
Lound Lakes Nature Reserve
- Dogs on leads
Applies to land known as Lound Lakes nature reserve, between Fritton Decoy to the west and the A47 Yarmouth Road to the east, day and night.
Herringfleet Hills
- Dogs on leads
At all times of the day and night.
Charsfield Churchyard
- Dogs on Leads
At all times of the day and night.
Dogs in Children’s Play Areas
Applies to all children’s play areas in the East Suffolk District which are gated (or fitted with grids), and fenced to prevent access to dogs, day and night.
Dog fouling
Applies to all land in the district which is open to the air and to which the public is entitled or permitted to have access, day and night.
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