Dog bans on Wyre beaches back in action

From May 1 until September 30 each year, dogs are not allowed on parts of the beach used for bathing in Fleetwood and Cleveleys.

Wyre council temporarily relaxed rules during the Covid-19 pandemic while people were not permitted to travel for exercise or sit on the beach, but after Government guidance changed the usual dog ban was reinforced from Friday.

The restricted areas include the Jubilee section of Cleveleys beach, between Cafe Cove and the Wyre borough boundary, and between the coloured beach huts and central car park in Fleetwood.

Dogs are not permitted on the beach in these areas, and must be kept on a lead along the promenade at all times to enable social distancing.

Coun Simon Bridge, portfolio holder for Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces at Wyre council said: "It's important to keep these small areas restricted in the summer so that people have a space to enjoy without dogs running around. It is, however, just a small part of our coastline and there's plenty more space for people to enjoy walking their dogs.

"Wherever you are, always pick up after your dog and remember any bin will do. We want our beaches to be a place of safe enjoyment so I would urge people to use them responsibly.

"Remember that you can only meet in groups of six and, that you need to keep two metres away from people you don't live with at all times."

Mr Bridge also reminded residents of the need to use bins provided along the promenade, and the requirement of keeping stones in place for the protection of sea defences.

"We've noticed an increase in litter along our coast now that more people are visiting. It simply is not acceptable," he continued.

"You must take any litter home with you if you find the bins are full. Please also remember not to remove stones, they are an important part of our sea defences and taking them can be damaging to wildlife."

Earlier this year, Rossall Beach and Jubilee Beach in Cleveleys, plus Marine Beach and Ferry Beach in Fleetwood were all given a Seaside Award by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The two bathing water areas are both classified as 'good' in terms of water quality, under European cleanliness standards.

The council said the seasonal dog ban is "all part of keeping the standard of this rating high."