PET owners are fighting back against a ban stopping dogs from putting their paws on Southend's beaches over the summer months.

Southend Council introduced a ban eight years ago making it illegal for owners to walk their dogs on any of the borough's beaches, from Old Leigh to Shoebury, between the beginning of May until the end of September.

Campaigners have had enough, with an online petition launched urging the council to re-think the ban.

It has already been signed by more than 600 people, with many supporters gathering at Old Leigh yesterday.

Ben Gregory, 33, from Leigh, one of the people who started the petition, said: “I don’t see why local residents who live and work here can’t enjoy a stroll on the beach with their dog.

“Let’s not forget that families have dogs who really are part of the family. They want to enjoy a family day out with their dog, not leave him at home.”

Pet owners have suggested that one part of Southend's coastline is opened up to dogs between 7pm and 9am, when the crowds have left.

Steven Crowther, group manager for waste and environmental care at Southend Council, pointed out that Two Tree Island, which is on the coast, is not included in the ban.

He said: “In the past where some beaches did not exclude dogs in the summer months, there were incidents of dog fouling, and concerns were raised about dogs running around families with very young children.

“There is not a total ban on dogs on all of our beaches. A coastal area in Two Tree Island is not included within the exclusion zone.

"Southend boasts more than 80 parks and open spaces where dogs can be exercised freely all year round."

Mr Crowther said that if a petition into handed into the council, the ideas provided will be considered.

When the ban was first introduced, angry protests took place, with more than 40 dog owners wearing Best in Show rosettes packing into one heated council meeting.

For more information about the campaign, visit facebook.com/letdogsonthebeach