Calls for dog beach ban to be dropped

The authority is currently consulting over moves to introduce a public space protection order which would prohibit dogs from the sands between the slipway opposite Duchess Drive and the steps opposite Sandhurst Avenue.

It is hoped the move would help ensure the cleanliness of the bathing water.

But Bispham councillor Don Clapham has branded it a waste of time because pollution could still drift in from neighbouring beaches.

He said; “People will just walk their dogs to the north and south of this stretch instead and if there is any pollution, when the tide comes in it will just spread it anyway.

“There are no natural barriers so dogs will stray into the area they are banned from, so I don’t know how it will be policed.

“However this area is pretty clean anyway so I think tinkering with this small area will not make a jot of difference so the council shouldn’t go ahead with it.

“I agree we want to have clean bathing water, but in my view leave it as it is.”

The council is proposing to extend the dog exclusion zones to also include the beach between the north of South Pier and the south of the steps opposite the Solaris Centre between May 1 and September 30.

Dogs are already banned between North and South Piers during the summer.

In her report to full council, deputy leader Coun Gillian Campbell says banning dogs would help the council secure a Seaside award at Bispham, and Blue Flag status for Blackpool South beach. She adds: “If dogs are allowed in the proposed areas, these standards will not be achieved.”