A PETITION has been launched to allow dog owners to walk their pets on Minehead beach all year round – with supporters saying the move would benefit tourism.

More than 200 people have already signed up to the petition, set up by Minehead town councillor Gail Everett and friend Daphne McCutheon.

A dog exclusion area currently covers the section of the beach from the golf club to Minehead Harbour and runs from May 1 to September 30.

Those trying to change the rules say some visitors are put off Minehead as a result. West Somerset Council says it wants to strike the right balance for all beach users but says dog fouling remains a “major concern”.

Cllr Everett said: “We are trying to get the beach open all year round, from opposite the Arkade to the harbour, which isn’t as sandy as the main beach.

“With the current total ban, Minehead appears to be a very dog unfriendly town, meaning visitors go to Blue Anchor, or the other beaches which are open all year to dogs.

“At the moment the only beach open for dogs is where Minehead Golf Course is, which due to rocks can be difficult to access or at Culvercliffe, where there is a very small beach at low tide accessed over rocks.”

West Somerset Councillor Karen Mills, who supports the petition, said: “As a dog owner myself, when I go on holiday, I do look at places which are dog friendly and have dog friendly beaches.

“Places like Woolacombe utilise the beach particularly well and allow dogs on all year round; it is very popular and they have areas sectioned off which is what we would look to do here.

“The other reason I support this is because of our local residents. “It isn’t easy to gain access to the bit of the beach dogs are allowed on now, especially those residents who are less active and able.

“We would hope that dog owners would be responsible and support this.”

Cllr Everett added: “There is a problem with people not picking up after their dogs, but we want to start a community warden scheme if we do get the ban lifted.

“West Somerset Council has been very supportive and if people want to sign the petition, they have until the end of September.”

A spokesperson for West Somerset Council said a review of the orders in place would require a full consultation with individuals, local businesses and community groups.

They added: “The council wants to ensure that the dog exclusion area on the beach is appropriate and strikes the right balance for all beach users.

“Dog fouling is a major concern for many local residents throughout West Somerset.

“The council recognises that most dog owners are responsible, keep their dogs under control and clean up after them.”

The petitions are in both main pet shops in Alcombe and Minehead, The Reading Room in Minehead and some other outlets around the town.

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