Dogs could be banned from Wirral beaches

Sep 10 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Wallasey News

DOGS could be banned from some of Wirral’s most popular beaches.

Owners may be barred from taking their pets on to the beach during the summer months, possibly from May to September, under new council plans.

Concerns about dog fouling, Wirral’s reputation as a tourist destination and the state of the coastline are behind the move.

A new report, which will be considered by a Wirral Council committee later this month, said officials would have to prove it was a proportionate way of dealing with problems caused by dogs.

New Brighton councillor Sue Taylor said: “Dog fouling is a nightmare all along the promenade - half of my correspondence is about this.

“In theory, I would support the dog bans on beaches but really I don’t know how it would be enforced; the cost involved would be huge.

“There are three dog wardens on Wirral at the moment yet there is still the problem of dog fouling. I think educating people to pick up after their dogs should be the focus rather than imposing a dog ban.”

The move would cover Wirral’s main bathing beaches in West Kirby, New Brighton’s Harrison Drive and Moreton.

Recreational beaches in Thurstaston, Caldy, Red Rocks, Hilbre, Hoylake, Meols, Leasowe and Egremont would also be affected.

In the 1990s, a ban was tried out in West Kirby, but enforcement difficulties and lack of interest saw it abandoned after two years.

Councillors will discuss the proposal on Thursday, September 25.