Anger over council's request to ban dogs from beaches

and dog walkers in Seaham have expressed concerns and anger over the council’s idea to review dogs being banned on some local beaches.

In November, Durham County Council confirmed that it is considering consulting the public on the idea of banning dogs from certain beaches following a request from Seaham Town Council.

The issues of dog fouling on the beaches were previously discussed in length at a council meeting in October last year and problems have been raised numerous times in previous years.

It has been mentioned that a ban could be introduced over the summer months on The Slope beach and Seaham Hall beach.

Since this confirmation, Eve Richardson, a local dog walker, has set up an online petition against any proposals, even though none have been brought forward yet.

She said: “I have made the petition to help spread the word and to help local businesses fight this because I’m just one person and we all need to come together to tackle this.”

Wendy McGhin, a local dog walker in Seaham owns WenBusinesses dy and Rhi's Mobile Pet Care, has said Seaham should be dog friendly.

She said: “I think Seaham needs to stay dog friendly and I don’t think dogs are causing an issue. Personally, we don’t take our dogs on The Slope during the summer because of the children.”

Kenny Broxson who owns Roobarb 'n' Custard in Seaham also has concerns.

“I honestly think I will be closing the doors if this goes ahead.”

Durham County Council has told the Echo that councillors will be happy to discuss all of these concerns.