Southend dog friendly beach plan could be on the way

Southend Council is drawing up plans to present to cabinet members to potentially allow a stretch of beach in the borough to become dog friendly.

The report is due to arrive next month and follows campaigns by residents and Rochford and Southend East MP James Duddridge to allow a section of beach to be open to dogs.

Due to a public safety protection order, which was renewed this year, dogs are not allowed on any of the borough’s beaches between May 1 and September 30 every year.

Stephen Cummins, Westcliff resident and dog owner, began a “Southend Dog Friendly Beach” campaign in the summer last year, calling for a half-mile stretch of beach between Chalkwell and Leigh to be dog friendly.

Campaigner - Stephen Cummins

He has been informed by the council that the plans for a dog friendly beach could be unveiled within the next month.

Mr Cummins, 49. said: “They had to go through with the consultation and it said, this is what we want.

“They had a mandate and consultation, and they now appear to be doing it.

“I was a bit disappointed that the PSPO [public space protection order] didn’t have information for the dog friendly beach but I did realise they had to get it together quickly for May.

“Every time I go out with my dogs people come up to me and ask what’s happening, can we go on the beach now with our dogs.

“I think the important thing is that the public are aware they are doing it, that’s why the Facebook group is so important.

“The beach is for everyone, and that includes dogs. There’s lots of beach and we need to have some of it for dogs, it’s just draconian.”

An Echo poll previously saw residents voice support for the dog friendly beach, while James Duddridge’s petition and Mr Cummins’ campaign was backed by the Dogs Trust.

Backing - MP James Duddridge launched a petition last year

Carl Robinson, director for public protection, said: “Part of the new dog control public space protection order included details of the possibility of creating a stretch of beach which would be available for dog owners to use year-round.

“Following mixed responses to the public consultation regarding a dog friendly beach, cabinet agreed to defer the decision on the dog friendly beach aspect of the PSPO to allow further time to research how other authorities manage these type of beaches, and any further public health guidance.

“A further report regarding dog friendly beaches is being prepared so that it can be reviewed by cabinet in the coming months.”

Mr Robinson stressed that until the review, dogs must not go on Southend’s beaches in the summer months.

Plans - A stretch of Southend’s beaches could become dog friendly