DOGS could be banned from the beach of a former pit town.

Durham County Council is to introduce a Dog Control order at Seaham that would ban dogs from a section of the beach during the summer.

The cabinet agreed today (Wednesday, July 16) to carry out public consultation on the idea .

The council hopes it will make the town, which has undergone a lot of regeneration in recent years, more attractive to visitors.

The ban would be in force between April and the end of September each year starting, from next year.

The order, requested by Seaham Town Council, would not cover the promenade or the beach north of the Seaham Hall car park.

Cabinet member Lucy Hovvels said: “It is a positive report, a positive action, and it is the right thing to do.”

Brian Stephens, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “We feel that the beach experience can be further improved by keeping it free from dogs running loose and ensuring their mess is not left behind.”