Dog walkers get more access to beaches

A large white banner pegged into sand on a beach. It has two signs on either end of a dog with a red circle around and a line through the middle. It reads "NO DOGS ON THE BEACH" in capital letters and has an East Lindsey District Council logo. Image source, East Lindsey District Council
Image caption,

East Lindsey District Council have put up new banners on beaches in Lincolnshire

  • Published

Dog walkers have been given more access to some of Lincolnshire's popular beaches.

East Lindsey District Council has reduced dog exclusion areas to align with Blue Flag zones on Sutton on Sea, Skegness and Mablethorpe beaches.

It comes after a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), stopping owners from walking their pets on specific areas of the shoreline between 1 May and 30 September, was renewed last year.

The seasonal ban, lasting until 2027, includes fines of up to £1,000 for anyone caught breaking the rule.

The restriction was introduced in 2017 to "encourage responsible dog ownership", the authority said.

The council said the PSPO upholds the resorts' Blue Flag status, which recognises high standards of cleanliness, environmental management and safety.

Following feedback from a public consultation in 2024, banners have been put up telling people where dogs are welcome.

The authority has also created leaflets with maps of the exclusion areas, which can be found at lifeguard huts or online.

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