A COUNCIL will push ahead with plans to ban dogs from Canvey’s beaches despite a backlash from local dog walkers.

At a meeting on Wednesday night, Castle Point’s cabinet agreed to continue pursuing the proposal, which would see dogs banned from the beach during summer months.

If a ban does come into place, it will only begin in the summer of 2019, likely to run from May to September.

The council has confirmed that the ban would only effect the beaches, and not the wider seafront area.

The Echo revealed on Tuesday that the ban was being considered after an increase in dog mess, causing quite a stir among residents. Hundreds of people commented on the Echo’s Facebook page, with some for the ban and many furious about the possiblity.

And the issue was hotly debated at Wednesday’s meeting, with several councillors, including Dave Blackwell, leader of the independent party, calling for the council to hire a dog warden and pursue fines for dog fouling, before a ban was put in place.

Andy Pestell, 53, of Grove Road, South Benfleet, regularly uses the beach with his dogs, and branded the scheme nonsense.

He said after the meeting: “What a load of nonsense. As a responsible dog owner how can the council enforce such a policy when they can’t even enforce fines for dog fouling. on those irresponsible dog owners who frequently leave dog fouling never ever get fined.

“The council needs to concentrate on enforcing existing policies rather than wasting tax payers money coming up with new and pointless policies.”

Any decision would be subject to a public consultation.

During the meeting, Mr Blackwell said: “Dog fouling is probably one of the biggest issues we face. I noticed on Facebook there were 900 odd comments and it was split directly down the middle of those who were for and against. Over the years I have spoke many times about trying to deter the few dog owners who refuse to pick up the dog mess and the dangers of allowing this mess to be left on the beach, in our parks, where children play.

“I would like to see us employ a dog warden like other local authorities. Say we had someone going around and fining dog walkers who refuse to abide by the law.”