?A HOLIDAY beach ban on dogs comes into force today (Friday).

The ban, which carries an £80 fine for a breach, comes into force ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, with dogs unwelcome on some Hartlepool beaches from until September 30.

A stretch of Seaton Carew beach between the Norton Hotel and the coach park will be closed to dogs.

The ban will also be in force between Fish Sands and the Block Sands on the Headland, including the lower promenade and paddling pool.

Kate Ainger, project officer at Hartlepool Council, said: “We want as many people as possible, including dog owners, to be able to enjoy the town’s beaches.

“However, we feel the seasonal ban on dogs is necessary to ensure our most popular stretches of beach are clean and tidy and attractive to visitors who, in turn, spend money that provides a vital boost to the local economy.”

Dog owners will be welcome at other areas of beach.

More information on Dog Control Orders can be found at www.hartlepool.gov.uk.