DOG owners are reminded that the seasonal ban excluding pets from some Hartlepool beaches comes into force this week.

The ban covers a stretch of Seaton Carew beach between the Norton Hotel and the coach park, and the Fish Sands and the Block Sands on the Headland, iincluding the lower promenade and the paddling pool. It runs from May 1 until September 30.

The measure aims to ensure that the town’s most popular beaches remain clean and tidy during the main holiday season.

Dog owners caught flouting the ban will receive a fixed penalty notice fine of £80.

Council officials are also keen to stress that there are still plenty of areas of beach within the borough where dogs can be exercised freely.

For more information about where dogs can be exercised go to www.hartlepool.gov.uk/dogs and click on ‘dog control orders’.