New restrictions came into force on Friday that saw dogs banned from certain beaches in the region

Many beaches across the UK have dog restrictions or bans during the ‘high season.’ However, Cornish Stuff reported that Cornwall Council had adopted new restrictions with some beaches that normally have no restrictions being added to the list.

The council have said that public space protection orders (PSPOs) did not apply to all beaches in the region and that most will only have restrictions in July and August. 

Despite the new arrangements, some beaches that hold Blue Flag status now have restrictions implemented from the 15th of May until 30th September. Some examples include Carbis Bay Beach, Porth Beach, and Sennen Beach.

The Blue Flag status means that these locations have to adhere to specific levels of water quality, cleanliness, and environmental education programmes, so they have to have longer restrictions and bans due to the award requirements. 

Porth Beach added to the restrictions list

Residents and local business owners have criticised the move and said some beaches had been added to the list without locals being told.

Porth Beach is an example of this, and Lisa Burbridge, the owner of Whipsiderry Hotel, told Cornwall Live that she was surprised it had been added. She also added that the hotel had taken bookings from June to September, and the guests were told it was dog friendly.

Many of the local businesses said, “We are all now extremely disappointed and feel very let down.” They also praised the campaigning by Cllr Rob Nolan for working with the locals and council to try and come to a resolution.

The Foreign Secretary has previously said that many businesses could remain closed until the 4th of July at the earliest.

Residents also said that the beach was a lifeline during this time of uncertainty, “but this will be restricted for all locals to use throughout the day from this Friday, is so unbelievably disappointing and unjust.”

Controversial restrictions proposed in North Devon

At the end of April, North Devon Council also proposed a series of restrictions that were met with anger from the public. The rules imposed would see several new district-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This would include aspects such as restricting the presence of dogs on beaches such as Saunton Sands, Woolacombe, Instow and Croyde. Plus, the popular walking spots of Braunton Burrows and the Tarka Trail.

ITV Westcountry also reported that the proposals could also introduce fines of up to £100 for anyone breaching the restrictions.

This comes after Devon and Cornwall’s authorities have joined forces to ask people to stay away as part of a #comebacklater campaign.

A meeting was due to take place at the beginning of May, where the public could voice their opinion. However, locals were quick to react with one local posting online, “I understand the main family beaches being restricted in high season & sports pitches, but the burrows, estuary and Tarka Trail is stupid.”

Another said that they were discriminating against dog owners and why should the majority get penalised for the minority of irresponsible dog owners.

The latest proposals also include Instow, which previously had a dog ban in place that was later lifted due to backlash from residents. One person commented: “Seriously, Instow beach [and] Tarka Trail? Dogs need exercising, why on earth with everything going on in the world, are they trying to make life harder?