Off-lead dog ban could be considered for Beadnell beach in Northumberland

Beadnell Parish Council is considering introducing new rules that would stop dogs from being let off their leads between May and September.

It has agreed to approach Northumberland County Council and the Northumberland Coast National Landscape – formerly the AONB – for advice on the decision.

However, it is understood that no decision is likely to be made until later in the year.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “This is just preliminary stages. We already have dogs on the lead on one end of the beach when the shore birds are nesting, and the other end has become the watersports area and is very busy with the tractor and trailers.

“We are a very child friendly beach. It’s a beach that lends itself to very young children.

“Dogs running around can be quite frightening to children, and disruptive. We do have some dog fouling issues too.

“Assuming we get some hot summer days, the number of dogs is crazy. This is just exploring the idea of whether we could have a restriction – it was just an idea to look at it.”

Most beaches in Northumberland are dog-friendly all year round. However, the National Trust asks dog owners to keep their dogs on a short lead at all times during the shore bird breeding season, particularly around the Long Nanny shorebird site.

Dog owners are also advised not to let their dog off lead if they cannot be recalled at the first call, and to keep their pets within sight.