Dogs will be able to return to North East beaches as an annual ban comes to an end. Restrictions prevent dogs from accessing several beaches across the region from May 1 each year. They remain in place until September 30 to ensure that during peak traffic times at the waterfront, there isn't a risk to owners, pets, or other beachgoers. Issues such as dog fouling can lead to hygiene worries for families at the beach.
Reason for the seasonal ban
Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet member for Public Safety, previously told ChronicleLive: "Dog fouling is an important local issue and a summer ban on sections of these beaches was introduced fifteen years ago. It offers a compromise for local dog walkers while enabling us to keep areas dog free, clean and safe for the many children playing on these popular stretches of beach during the summer months."
Full access will resume on the following North East beaches after September 30.
Beaches in North Tyneside and South Tyneside
In North Tyneside, Whitley Bay (south of Panama Gardens) had a ban, but no dog ban was in place on the rest of the beach. Tynemouth Longsands, King Edward's Bay and Cullercoats Bay also had restrictions.
In South Tyneside, Sandhaven Beach excluded dogs from the northern part between May 1 and September 30. Littlehaven Beach (just north of Sandhaven) and Marsden Beach usually allow dogs year-round. Roker Beach had restrictions between the pier and the beach access ramp, and Seaburn Beach had restrictions from the Morrisons area to the Whitburn Road promenade.
Northumberland and Durham beaches
Most beaches throughout Northumberland are dog-friendly all year, bar a few exceptions. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea's main bay has seasonal restrictions, but the north and south ends are typically open. During the ban, dogs were not allowed on the section from the breakwater at Church Point to the beach access from the promenade at Sidney Crescent. Blyth Beach banned dogs from the access at Beachway to the access at the Links Road car park. Amble Little Shore Beach also had restrictions. Ross Black Sands has heavy restrictions due to seabird populations, with a seasonal ban during the breeding season (May 1 - September 30). Dogs are welcome on the reserve the rest of the year, but must be kept on a lead or at heel at all times to avoid disturbance to birds and grazing livestock.
In Durham, most beaches like Seaham (Hall Beach), Blackhall and Horden are dog-friendly all year round with no seasonal bans. Seaton Carew Beach banned dogs between North Shelter and Seaton Carew Golf Club between May and September. From the Cliff northwards and from the golf club southwards, dogs can be walked all year round.
