DOG owners have been given the go ahead to continue to walk their dogs on a town’s beaches all year round.

But extra patrols are to be carried out along beaches in Seaham, County Durham, during summer months, to target irresponsible dog owners who fail to clear up after their pets

The decision follows a public consultation exercise carried out by Durham County Council, backed by Seaham Town Council.

Townsfolk were asked for their views over a proposed Dog Control Order, which would have included a summer-time canine beach ban.

It would have seen dogs barred from the stretch between the entrance to the picnic site at Seaham Hall car park down to, and including, the marina beach area, between April 1 and September 30 each year.

Many respondents felt that it was an “irresponsible minority” of walkers who spoil the beaches by failing to clean up their dog’s mess.

Councillor Brian Stephens, county council cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “With this is mind we have decided not to introduce the dog ban, but we will be stepping up our efforts to educate people about being responsible dog owners and will be taking enforcement action against those who fail to do the right thing.”

Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of direct services, said: “We’ll be working with Seaham Town Council and the community to increase awareness about responsible dog ownership.

“We will also be increasing our beach patrols during the summer months and anyone caught failing to pick up after their pet will be issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice.”

People will be encouraged to join the Green Dog Walkers’ Scheme, which promotes responsible dog ownership.

Further information about the scheme can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/greendogwalkers, while anyone wishing to report incidents of dog fouling can do so by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/dogfouling, or by ringing 03000-261000.