Donkeys have been banned from a popular beach in Wales after a century of providing rides to visitors. Bridgend council has extended a restriction originally applied to dogs to now prohibit all animals from Coney Beach in Porthcawl during the peak summer months.
Family Business Heartbroken
Jay Bateman, part of a family that has operated a donkey-riding business on the beach for more than 100 years, told BBC News he is “heartbroken” to have lost his livelihood. Visitors have taken donkey rides along the shores of Coney Beach since 1918. Bateman said, “We have to keep the donkeys because they're our lives. We can't get rid of them.”
The Bridgend council recently took over beach management and seasonal activities. The council said it remained focused on “recognising the importance of traditional seaside attractions”, while reflecting on “long-term ambitions for the area”. It added that it is “unable to grant a licence for seasonal donkey or pony riding at Coney Beach” from 1 May to 30 September, as seasonal beach restrictions for dogs would apply to all animals.
Affected Beaches
The animal ban covers Rest Bay, Coney Beach, Town Beach and Trecco Bay, with Newton Beach, Sker Beach and Pink Bay still accessible throughout the summer.
A Bridgend County Borough Council spokesperson said: “The seasonal beach restrictions for dogs between 1 May and 30 September have now been extended to cover all animals. With this in mind, we are unable to grant a licence for seasonal donkey or pony riding at Coney Beach.
“While all previous seasonal activities for this beach were determined by the former management of the site, the council recently took over the management of Coney Beach as part of the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Scheme and remains focused on recognising the importance of traditional seaside attractions while also reflecting the final masterplan proposals and long-term ambitions for the area.
“We are currently reviewing the expressions of interest that we have received for providing all-new seasonal activities at Coney Beach, and residents and visitors should look out for some exciting announcements about a wide range of new activities and stalls in the near future.”
The seaside resort’s Coney Beach Amusement Park, which opened in 1918, closed last October to make way for a new development including restaurants, shops and houses.
