Donkeys have been prohibited from the beaches of a seaside resort in Wales after a council implemented a seasonal ban, bringing an end to a tradition that spanned over a century. Visitors had enjoyed donkey rides on Coney Beach in Porthcawl, Bridgend, since 1918, but now the animals will no longer be permitted to tread along the shore following the extension of restrictions originally applied to dogs to encompass all animals.
New Regulations and Impact on Business
Under the new rules introduced by Labour-led Bridgend Council in south Wales, all animals are banned from the beach during the peak summer months from May 1 to September 30. Jay Bateman, whose family has operated a donkey-riding business from their home near Coney Beach, expressed that their livelihood has been left in uncertainty by this move. He stated, "It's been in our family since 1918. We have maintained the beach, done the bins on the beach." Mr. Bateman added that his family now faces a difficult situation as they must keep the donkeys all year round. "We have to keep the donkeys because they are our lives. We can't get rid of them," he said.
Tourism Strain and Regeneration Plans
This decision adds further pressure on the resort's tourism industry following the closure of the 100-year-old Coney Beach Amusement Park last year. Bridgend Council recently assumed management of the beach and stated that "all previous seasonal activities for this beach were determined by the former management of the site." It further noted that the seasonal beach restrictions between May 1 and September 30 have now been extended to cover all animals, and therefore, it is "unable to grant a licence for seasonal donkey or pony riding at Coney Beach."
As part of the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Scheme, the local authority and the Welsh Government plan to construct a Lido swimming pool opposite the marina and a seasonal funfair. Meanwhile, Coney Beach Amusement Park, which opened during the final days of World War I, was closed to make way for 980 houses. The redevelopment plans also include green spaces, shops, a site for motorhomes and caravans, and several leisure attractions. The council indicated that the regeneration plans would soon bring "new activities and stalls" to the beach.
Council Statement
A spokesperson for the Bridgend County Borough Council said: "The seasonal beach restrictions for dogs between May 1 and September 30 have now been extended to cover all animals (except guide and assistance dogs). With this in mind, we are unable to grant a licence for seasonal donkey or pony riding at Coney Beach going forward. As part of the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Scheme, we have recently taken over the management of Coney Beach and remain focused on recognising the importance of traditional seaside attractions while also reflecting our final masterplan proposals and long-term ambitions for the area." They added: "All previous seasonal activities for this beach were determined by the former management of the site. We are currently reviewing the expressions of interests we received for seasonal activities at Coney Beach and residents and visitors should stay tuned for some exciting announcements about a wide range of activities and stalls in the near future."
