9:00am Monday 15th June 2009
By Emma Thomas
DOG lovers vowed to fight Southend Council on the beaches as they took part in a mass protest against a proposed ban.
More than 100 protesters gathered on Thorpe Bay beach to voice their anger against the council’s planned new laws.
The proposals, which look likely to go ahead, would mean dogs are banned from beaches between May 1 and September 30, and in public play areas and sports courts all year round.
About 150 dog walkers turned out at the beach on Friday afternoon to show their anger at the idea.
Norman Yardy, from Brentwood, is one of the organisers of the event.
He said walking his black labrador, Millie, along Thorpe Bay beach helps him battle his bipolar disorder.
He said: “I bought a hut along here last year, because it was a dog-friendly beach.
“I have a dog and I only learnt two weeks ago the council was introducing this ban.
“This is a place I can relax and rest. Dogs are such a blessing to people with depression.”
The council put forward the plan last year, which would mean dog owners could be fined £50 if they break the rules.
The scheme went to public consultation and two thirds of the 623 people who responded were against the idea.
Protesters were joined by Ron Woodley, independent councillor for Thorpe ward, who said he thought the council’s decision was pre-determined.
He said: “We saw signs go up along the beaches prior to the public consultation and the consultation clearly showed people don’t want the dog bans, but the council are prepared to bulldoze it through.
“This is why people don’t vote. This is not a democracy, it’s a dictatorship because they are ignoring what the people want.
“We can’t condemn these people. We should enforce the law for people who don’t pick up after their dogs.”
Southend Council’s head of public protection, Dipti Patel, said: “A report is going to be considered by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday, with the latest proposals for dog control orders.
“These proposals have been reviewed following a public consultation on the details of the planned orders earlier this year.
“We want to ensure Southend continues to sustain its Blue Flag status for its beaches.”
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