A public consultation on changes to annual dog bans for beaches in East Devon is set to close this Sunday (20 November).

The current ban excludes dogs from the majority of Sidmouth's beaches from 1 May to 30 September each year.

The changes include:

1. Allowing people to walk dogs in the early morning and late evening during the dog ban period on East Devon beaches at Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer and Seaton. The ban would only apply between 9am and 6pm;
2. Allowing people to walk dogs on the whole section of Jacobs Ladder beach in Sidmouth;
3. Allowing people to walk dogs off a lead on the eastern section of Beer beach during the dog ban period, but they must keep dogs on a lead to access the beach café;
4. Removing the requirement to keep dogs on leads while on or next to a public highway (but dogs must be kept on a lead along Exmouth Esplanade).

How can I tell the council my opinion?

To comment on the proposed changes, you can email [email protected] or write to Environmental Health, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ.

READ MORE: Council puts forward changes to annual dog ban for Sidmouth beaches