Dog walking restrictions back on the city’s sands

Dog walking restrictions on Roker and Seaburn beaches will be reintroduced from Monday, June 1 in line with the latest Government guidance surrounding coronavirus.

Restrictions were lifted by Sunderland City Council during May to give dog walkers more space to socially distance while the beaches were less busy during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The dog walking restrictions, which are in place through a Public Spaces Protection Order, apply to Roker beach and a limited stretch of beach at Seaburn.

Councillor Michael Mordey, who is the Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said in a statement: "We have been keeping the situation under review, and believe that now is the right time to reintroduce the dog walking restrictions in response both to the latest government guidance and the number of people visiting our beaches.

"This will help make sure residents are able to safely social distance, at the same time as being able to enjoy the benefits our beaches offer for wellbeing."

Signage is in place along the beach front and residents can expect to see environmental enforcement officers on patrol at the beaches next week in order to advise members of the public on littering, dog fouling and dog walking restrictions.

The council has made the decision to reintroduce the restrictions following the reopening of council-run car parks from Thursday, May 28.

Charges for these car parks, which were suspended at the end of March, will be reintroduced next week on Friday, June 5.