Southend Council rubber-stamps dog ban for the summer

Southend’s full council supported moves to bring in the ban to stop dogs fouling the beaches and ensure the town keeps its coveted blue flag awards for cleanliness and safety.

Campaigners may take the council to the Local Government Ombudsman or even the European Court of Human Rights.

Norman Yardy, leader of the campaign, said after the meeting: “Many individuals are so concerned about this matter they will pusue the local authority ombudsman procedure. A legal challenge will also be considered.”

Martin Terry (Ind, Westborough), who opposed the ban, said a compromise had been put forward to have one designated beach for dog walkers.

He added: “We have had a consultation and the public has overwhelmingly rejected the council’s proposals for a total ban, but this has been ignored.

“Throughout the country, other seaside towns offer dog-friendly areas and that includes our economic competitors as well.”

Barry Godwin (Lib Dem, Leigh) said: “Many people in Southend look after their dogs more than they have done their children.”

Speaking of the compromise of a designated beach for dogs, he added: “We are not asking for all the beaches in the town, but just one beach where you can control all the dog owners in Southend who want to use the beach.”

However, fellow Leigh Lib Dem Alan Crystall said he was a strong supporter of the new dog control orders because of the health problems which could arise.

Councillor responsible for waste, Ian Robertson said while there had been two petitions of more than 500 signatures against the ban, he believed there was a silent majority in the town who supported it, and wanted to see cleaner beaches across the town.

He added: “I believe the dog control orders will be good.”

Anna Waite (Con, St Luke’s) said: “We have spent more time discussing dogs than the education of our children. This seems to suggest we care more about dogs than children.”